2022: Fitzpatrick Voted For An Amendment That Prohibited New Or
Extended Federal Contracts With Contractors Doing Business In Russia
During Their War Against Ukraine. In July 2022, according to
Congressional Quarterly, Fitzpatrick voted for en bloc amendments no. 2
to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, which
would, in part, "prohibit new, extended or renewed federal contracts
with contractors conducting business operations in Russia during its war
against Ukraine." The vote was on the adoption of amendments. The House
adopted the amendments by a vote 330-99. [House Vote 332,
7/14/22; Congressional
Quarterly, 7/14/22;
Congressional Actions, H.Amdt.
269;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
7900]
2022: Fitzpatrick Effectively Voted Against Calling On The Russian
Government To Immediately Release Brittney Griner, A Women's National
Basketball Association Player And U.S. Citizen Who Was Detained In
February 2022. In June 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly,
Fitzpatrick effectively voted against a resolution that would "state
that the House of Representatives calls on the Russian government to
immediately release Brittney Griner, a WNBA player and U.S. citizen
detained in February 2022." The vote was on the adoption of the rule.
The House adopted the rule by a vote of 217-203, thus the resolution was
automatically adopted. [House Vote 298,
6/24/22; Congressional
Quarterly, 6/24/22;
Congressional Actions, H.Res.
1132;
Congressional Actions, H.Res.
1204]
Olympic Gold-Medalist Griner Was Detained At A Russian Airport In
February 2022 After Russians Allegedly Found Cartridges With
Cannabis Oil In Her Luggage. According to CBS News, "Griner, who
has won two gold medals with the U.S. Olympic team, was detained at
a Russian airport on February 17 after officials alleged they found
vape cartridges in her luggage which contained cannabis oil. At the
time of her arrest, she was flying to Russia to play for UMMC
Ekaterinburg, a basketball club based in the city of Yekaterinburg.
Griner has played for UMMC Ekaterinburg since 2014 during the WNBA
offseason." [CBS News,
6/25/22]
If Griner Is Convicted On Drug Charges In Russia, She Could Face
Up To 10 Years Of Imprisonment. According to CBS News, "If
convicted on drug charges, she could face up to 10 years in prison."
[CBS News,
6/25/22]
2024: Fitzpatrick Voted To Condemn Russian Treatment Of Ukrainian
Children. In March 2024, Fitzpatrick voted for , according to
Congressional Quarterly, "the resolution (H Res 149), as amended, that
would declare that the House strongly condemns the abduction of
Ukrainian children by Russian forces, holds the Russian government
responsible for the 'wrongful and illegal abduction and forcible
transfer' of Ukrainian children and declares that such actions amount to
genocide." The vote was on passage. The House passed the resolution by a
vote of 390 to 9. [House Vote 88,
3/19/24; Congressional
Quarterly, 3/19/24;
Congressional Actions, H.Res.
149]
2022: Fitzpatrick Voted To Establish An Interagency Working Group To
Determine The Constitutionality Of Whether The President Can Seize And
Confiscate Assets From Foreign Individuals Whose Wealth Is Derived From
Ties To Russian President Putin. In April 2022, according to
Congressional Quarterly, Fitzpatrick voted for the Asset Seizure for
Ukraine Reconstruction Act, which in part would "require the president
to establish an interagency working group, led by the State Department,
to determine the constitutional mechanisms through which the president
can seize and confiscate assets under U.S. jurisdiction from foreign
persons whose wealth is derived through ties to Russian President
Vladimir Putin. It would specify that the president should seize and
confiscate assets valued over $2 million belonging to Russian energy
companies or foreign persons whose wealth is derived in part through
corruption linked to or political support for Putin and with respect to
which the president has imposed sanctions. It also would specify that
the president should use all liquidated funds for the benefit of the
people of Ukraine. It would require the working group, within 60 days of
enactment, to submit a report to Congress on actions taken and any
additional authorities needed for the president to make such seizures."
The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 417-8,
thus the bill was sent to the Senate. [House Vote 130,
4/27/22; Congressional
Quarterly, 4/27/22;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
6930]
2019: Fitzpatrick Voted For The FY 2020 Minibus Appropriations Bill,
Which Provided $590 Million To Counter Russian And Chinese Influence.
In December 2019, Fitzpatrick voted for the FY 2020 minibus spending
bill, which represented 8 of the 12 appropriations bills. According to
Congressional Quarterly, the bill "provides $290 million for the
Countering Russian Influence Fund, $15 million more than the FY 2019
level. The fund assists countries in Europe and Eurasia in enhancing the
capacity of their security forces, including the modernization of NATO
partners such as Greece. The funds may also be used by the Baltic states
for cyber and democracy programs to counter Russian influence and
aggression [...] The measure provides $300 million for a new
Countering Chinese Influence Fund to combat malign Chinese influence
activities and increase transparency and accountability associated with
the Belt and Road Initiative." The vote was a motion to concur in the
Senate amendment. The House agreed to the motion by a vote of 297-120.
The Senate later passed the bill and the President signed the bill into
law. [House Vote 689,
12/17/19; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/17/19;
Congressional Actions,
H.R.1865]
2022: Fitzpatrick Voted Against Recognizing Russia's Illegal Attempt
To Annex Crimea And Separate Ukraine Through Military Force. In April
2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Fitzpatrick voted for the
Ukraine Religious Freedom Support Act, which in part would "never
recognize the illegal, attempted annexation of Crimea by Russia or the
separation through the use of military force or recognition of
independence of any portion of Ukrainian territory." The vote was on
passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 421-4, thus the bill was
sent to the Senate. [House Vote 129,
4/27/22; Congressional
Quarterly, 4/27/22;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
496]
2022: Fitzpatrick Voted To Require U.S. Financial Institutions To
Ensure All Their Subsidiaries Comply With Financial Sanctions Against
Russia And Belarus. In May 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly,
Fitzpatrick voted for the Russia and Belarus Financial Sanctions Act of
2022, which would "require U.S. financial institutions to 'take all
actions necessary and available' to ensure that their subsidiaries,
including foreign subsidiaries, comply with financial sanctions against
Russia and Belarus." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill
by a vote of 418-2, thus the bill was sent to the Senate. [House Vote
159, 5/11/22;
Congressional Quarterly,
5/11/22; Congressional
Actions, H.R.
7066]
2022: Fitzpatrick Voted To Exclude Russian Officials From
Participating In The Group Of 20, Bank For International Settlements,
Basel Committee For Banking Standards, Financial Stability Board,
International Association Of Insurance Supervisors, And International
Organization Of Securities Commissions. In May 2022, according to
Congressional Quarterly, Fitzpatrick voted for the Isolate Russian
Government Officials Act of 2022, which would "state that it is U.S.
policy to exclude Russian government officials from participation in all
meetings and activities of the Group of 20, the Bank for International
Settlements, the Basel Committee for Banking Standards, the Financial
Stability Board, the International Association of Insurance Supervisors
and the International Organization of Securities Commissions. It would
require the Treasury Department, the Federal Reserve and the Securities
and Exchange Commission to take 'all necessary steps' to advance the
policy. It would provide for a national interest waiver by the president
and specify that the bill's provisions would terminate on the earlier
date of five years after enactment or 30 days after the president
reports to Congress that Russia has ceased destabilizing activities with
respect to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine." The
vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 416-2, thus
the bill was sent to the Senate. [House Vote 161,
5/11/22; Congressional
Quarterly, 5/11/22;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
6891]
2019: Fitzpatrick Voted For Legislation Telling The State Department
To Provide Assistance For European And Eurasian Countries On Energy, To
Prohibit The U.S. To Assist A Country That Does Financial Transactions
With The Russian Military And To Authorize $250 Million Per Year To
Counter Russian Influence On European Energy. In March 2019,
Fitzpatrick voted for a bill that would have, according to Congressional
Quarterly, "direct[ed] the State Department to provide diplomatic and
political support to European and Eurasian countries to help improve
energy sources, supply routes, security, and market integration and
competition. The bill would [have] prohibit[ed] the United States
from assisting any country that engages in financial transactions with
Russian military or intelligence. The bill would [have] authorize[d]
$250 million annually through fiscal 2021 for a State Department fund
to counter Russian influence in European energy, infrastructure, and
elections. It would also [have] authorize[d] $80 million in fiscal
2020 for the U.S. Trade and Development Agency." The vote was on a
motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill. The House agreed to the
motion, thereby passing the bill, by a vote of 391 to 24. [House Vote
126, 3/25/19;
Congressional Quarterly, 3/25/19;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
1616]
2019: Fitzpatrick Effectively Voted For The FY 2020 National Defense
Authorization Act (NDAA), Which Required 120 Days Of Notice Prior To The
United States Leaving The Start Treaty. In December 2019, Fitzpatrick
effectively voted for the FY 2020 NDAA. According to Congressional
Quarterly, "The agreement requires the Defense secretary and secretary
of state to notify Congress at least 120 days prior to the United States
notifying Russia of its intent to leave the START Treaty. It also
requires a series of reports on the implications of the expiration of
the treaty, as well as assessments of Russia's interest in negotiating a
broader arms control agreement." The vote was on adoption of the
conference report to accompany the bill. The Senate adopted the
conference report by a vote of 86-8. The bill was later signed into law
by the President. [House Vote 672,
12/11/19; Congressional
Quarterly,
12/17/19;
Congressional Actions,
S.1790]
2019: Fitzpatrick Effectively Voted For The FY 2020 National Defense
Authorization Act (NDAA), Which Required 120 Days Of Notice Prior To The
United States Leaving The Open Skies Treaty. In December 2019,
Fitzpatrick effectively voted for the FY 2020 NDAA. According to
Congressional Quarterly, "The agreement requires the administration to
notify Congress at least 120 days prior to it suspending, terminating,
or withdrawing from the Open Skies Treaty." The vote was on adoption of
the conference report to accompany the bill. The House adopted the
conference report by a vote of 377-48. The bill was later passed by the
Senate and signed into law by the President. [House Vote 672,
12/11/19; Congressional
Quarterly,
12/17/19;
Congressional Actions,
S.1790]
2022: Fitzpatrick Voted To Require The President To Consider
Violations Of Religious Freedom In Areas Of Ukraine Controlled By Russia
When Determining Whether Russia Is A Country Of Particular Concerns For
Religious Freedom. In April 2022, according to Congressional
Quarterly, Fitzpatrick voted for the Ukraine Religious Freedom Support
Act, which in part would "require the president to consider any
'particularly severe' violation of religious freedom in areas of Ukraine
occupied or controlled by Russia or Russian-backed forces when
determining whether to designate Russia as a 'country of particular
concern for religious freedom.'" The vote was on passage. The House
passed the bill by a vote of 421-4, thus the bill was sent to the
Senate. [House Vote 129,
4/27/22; Congressional
Quarterly, 4/27/22;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
496]
2022: Fitzpatrick Voted To Deny Visas For U.S. Entry To Russian
Officials Responsible For Violations Of Religious Freedom. In April
2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Fitzpatrick voted for the
Ukraine Religious Freedom Support Act, which in part would "state that
it is U.S. policy to deny visas for U.S. entry to Russian government
officials responsible for such violations and to never recognize the
illegal, attempted annexation of Crimea by Russia or the separation
through the use of military force or recognition of independence of any
portion of Ukrainian territory." The vote was on passage. The House
passed the bill by a vote of 421-4, thus the bill was sent to the
Senate. [House Vote 129,
4/27/22; Congressional
Quarterly, 4/27/22;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
496]
2024: Fitzpatrick Voted To Transfer Assets Seized From Russia To A
Ukraine Support Fund. In April 2024, Fitzpatrick voted for , according
to Congressional Quarterly, "the bill, as amended, that would impose
numerous sanctions on U.S. adversaries, including Iran and Russia, as
well as on terrorist organizations and transnational criminal networks.
It would prohibit the release of frozen Russian assets in U.S. financial
institutions until the war between Russia and Ukraine is over and Russia
has paid for the reconstruction of Ukraine, including humanitarian
assistance. It would authorize the transfer of assets seized from Russia
or a related 'aggressor state' to a Ukraine Support Fund." The vote was
on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 360 to 58. [House
Vote 145, 4/20/24;
Congressional Quarterly,
4/20/24; Congressional
Actions, H.R.
8038]
2022: Fitzpatrick Voted To Authorize Using The Proceeds From Assets
Forfeited By Entities Associated With Russian President Putin To Support
Rebuilding Ukraine. In July 2022, according to Congressional
Quarterly, Fitzpatrick voted for the National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2023, which would "authorize the use of proceeds from
assets forfeited by entities associated with Russian President Vladimir
Putin to help rebuild Ukraine." The vote was on passage. The House
passed the bill by a vote 329-101, thus the bill was sent to the Senate.
The Senate did not take substantive action on the legislation. The FY
2023 Defense Authorization was passed with H.R. 7776. [House Vote 350,
7/14/22; Congressional
Quarterly, 7/14/22;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
7900]
2022: Fitzpatrick Voted To Ban The Importation Of Russian Oil Until
The President Were To Certify That Russia Withdrew From Ukraine, No
Longer Posed A Threat To NATO, And Recognized Ukrainian Sovereignty.
In April 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Fitzpatrick voted
to concur with the Senate amendment to the Ending Importation of Russian
Oil Act, which would "statutorily prohibit the import of Russian oil and
energy products into the United States, to be implemented in a manner
consistent with the March 2022 executive order banning such imports. It
would authorize the president to lift the ban after certifying to
Congress that the Russian president has reached an agreement with the
independent government of Ukraine to withdraw Russian forces and cease
military hostilities; poses no immediate military threat of aggression
to any NATO member; and recognizes the right of the people of Ukraine to
independently and freely choose their own government." The vote was on a
motion to concur. The House concurred with the Senate by a vote of
413-9, thus the bill was sent to the President and ultimately became
law. [House Vote 125,
4/7/22; Congressional
Quarterly, 4/7/22;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
6968]
2022: Fitzpatrick Voted To Prohibit The Import Of Russian Oil And
Energy Products Into The U.S. In March 2022, according to
Congressional Quarterly, Fitzpatrick voted for the Ending Importation of
Russian Oil Act, which would "statutorily prohibit the import of Russian
oil and energy products into the United States, beginning 45 days after
enactment. It would authorize the president to issue a national interest
waiver for the prohibition and establish congressional procedures for
consideration of a joint resolution of disapproval for such a waiver."
The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 414-17,
thus the bill was sent to the Senate. [House Vote 70,
3/9/22; Congressional
Quarterly, 3/9/22; Congressional
Actions, H.R.
6968]
Even Though President Biden Announced An Embargo On Russian Oil,
The House Voted To Ban U.S. Imports Of Russian Oil And Energy
Sources, Which Concerned Certain Senate Democrats It Would Limit
Biden's Response To Russia. According to Politico, "The House
passed legislation Wednesday night banning U.S. imports of Russian
oil and other energy sources, as lawmakers look to escalate U.S.-led
sanctions on Vladimir Putin over his invasion of Ukraine. House
Democratic leaders decided to move forward with the vote even though
President Joe Biden announced a Russian oil embargo on Tuesday. The
Senate is not expected to consider the House-passed bill, with
upper-chamber Democrats wary of tying Biden's hands." [Politico,
3/9/22]
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Urged Western Countries To
Prohibit The Importation Of Russian Oil. According to Politico,
"Zelenskyy had been pushing Western nations to stop importing
Russian oil --- including during a Zoom call with U.S. lawmakers
over the weekend in which the Ukrainian leader grew emotional
speaking about Russia's assaults on his country." [Politico,
3/9/22]
Republicans Supported The Ban And Argued The U.S. Should Make Up
The Oil Supply By Increasing Domestic Oil And Gas Production, Which
The Biden Administration Had Limited. According to Politico,
"Republicans, who have criticized Biden's handling of Russia overall
but tempered that somewhat in terms of his response to the invasion
of Ukraine, embraced the ban but said the U.S. should backfill its
oil supply by ramping up domestic oil and gas production --- which
the Biden administration has limited." [Politico,
3/9/22]
The Russian Oil Ban Would Likely Increase Gas Prices. According
to The Hill, "The vote now puts members of both parties on record
backing an action that is likely to further increase gas prices,
which are already reaching record levels in the U.S. due to the
Russian invasion of Ukraine." [The Hill,
3/9/22]
2022: Fitzpatrick Effectively Voted Against The Ending Importation Of
Russian Oil Act. In March 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly,
Fitzpatrick voted for the "Brady, R-Texas., motion to recommit the bill
to the House Ways and Means Committee." The vote was on a motion to
recommit. The House rejected the motion by a vote of 208-223. [House
Vote 69, 3/9/22;
Congressional Quarterly, 3/9/22;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
6968]
2022: Fitzpatrick Effectively Voted Against The Ending Importation Of
Russian Oil Act. In March 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly,
Fitzpatrick voted against the "adoption of the rule (H Res 973) that
would provide for House floor consideration of [...] the Suspending
Energy Imports from Russia Act (HR 6968)." The vote was on the adoption
of the rule. The House adopted the rule by a vote of 218-204. [House
Vote 64, 3/9/22;
Congressional Quarterly, 3/9/22;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
6968;
Congressional Actions, H.Res.
973]
2022: Fitzpatrick Effectively Voted Against The Ending Importation Of
Russian Oil Act. In March 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly,
Fitzpatrick voted against the "motion to order the previous question
(thus ending debate and possibility of amendment) on the rule (H Res
973) that would provide for House floor consideration of [...] the
Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act (HR 6968)." The vote was on a
motion to order the previous question. The House agreed to the motion by
a vote of 219-199. [House Vote 63,
3/9/22; Congressional
Quarterly, 3/9/22;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
6968;
Congressional Actions, H.Res.
973]
2022: Fitzpatrick Voted For The Ukraine Invasion War Crimes Deterrence
And Accountability Act, Which Expressed That Russia Committed War Crimes
By Invading Ukraine In February 2022 And Directed The Collection Of Data
On War Crimes During The 2022 Russian Invasion To Hold Perpetrators
Accountable. In April 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly,
Fitzpatrick voted for the Ukraine Invasion War Crimes Deterrence and
Accountability Act, which would "express the sense of Congress that
Russia has committed war crimes in its invasion of Ukraine beginning in
February 2022; that the Russian use of chemical weapons would be a war
crime; and that Russian President Vladimir Putin has 'a long record' of
committing war crimes and human rights abuses in Russia and abroad. It
would state that it is U.S. policy to collect information on war crimes
during the 2022 Russian invasion and to make efforts to identify, deter
and hold perpetrators accountable for war crimes. It would require the
president to submit a report to Congress on U.S. efforts to collect,
analyze and preserve evidence and information related to war crimes and
other atrocities committed during Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine,
for use in prosecuting such crimes, and on media and information
operations that inform Russian officials and citizens of efforts to
identify and prosecute war crimes." The vote was on passage. The House
passed the bill by a vote of 418-7. [House Vote 121,
4/6/22; Congressional
Quarterly, 4/6/22;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
7276]
2022: Fitzpatrick Voted To Impose Sanctions On 328 Members Of The
Russia State Duma. In April 2022, according to Congressional
Quarterly, Fitzpatrick voted for the Asset Seizure for Ukraine
Reconstruction Act, which in part would "require the president to impose
sanctions on 328 members of the Russian State Duma and determine whether
the remaining members of the Duma and the Russian Federation Council
should be subject to existing sanctions." The vote was on passage. The
House passed the bill by a vote of 417-8, thus the bill was sent to the
Senate. [House Vote 130,
4/27/22; Congressional
Quarterly, 4/27/22;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
6930]
2019: Fitzpatrick Voted To Disapprove The Trump Administration's
Proposed Suspension Of Sanctions Against A Russian Oligarch Called
Deripaska. In January 2019, Fitzpatrick voted for a resolution that
would have, according to Congressional Quarterly, "force[d] the
Treasury Department to keep sanctions on three companies linked to a
Russian oligarch, a tally that contrasts sharply with a Senate vote the
day before. [...] The House resolution would keep sanctions on En+
Group, UC Rusal and EuroSibEnergo, three large companies controlled by
Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, who is himself sanctioned separately,
and has been accused of threatening the lives of business rivals,
illegally wiretapping a government official, extortion and
racketeering." The vote was on a motion to suspend the rules and pass
the bill. The House agreed to the motion, thereby passing the bill, by a
vote of 362 to 53. The Senate had earlier rejected a procedural vote on
a similar resolution. [House Vote 42,
1/17/19; Congressional
Quarterly, 1/17/19;
Congressional Actions, H. J. Res.
30]
The Sanctioned Companies Were Involved In Energy And Aluminum.
According to Congressional Quarterly, "The companies are engaged in
aluminum mining, natural gas, energy production and logistics. The
sanctions are aimed at making Deripaska a minority shareholder in
the companies rather than having controlling majorities. The
Treasury Department says Russian ownership and operation of those
companies have been sufficiently separated from Deripaska, who has
ties to the Kremlin." [Congressional Quarterly,
1/17/19]
136 Republicans Voted Yes; The Senate Had Rejected The Legislation
A Few Days Earlier Having Failed By Three Votes. According to
Congressional Quarterly, "With 136 Republicans backing the measure,
the resolution (H J Res 30) will likely just showcase the House's
displeasure with the Trump administration. The Senate is unlikely to
take up the House measure, having fallen three votes short of
advancing a similar one Wednesday, 57-42. Without both chambers
voting to keep the sanctions, Treasury can now lift them, according
to a 2017 sanctions law (PL 115-44)." [Congressional Quarterly,
1/17/19]
Treasury Secretary Mnuchin Briefed House Lawmakers On Why The
Sanctions Should Be Lifted. According to Congressional Quarterly,
"Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin met with all House lawmakers Jan.
10 for a classified briefing on his department's rationale for
lifting the sanctions. Afterwards, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.,
said the briefing was 'one of the worst classified briefings we've
received from the Trump administration.'" [Congressional Quarterly,
1/17/19]
2017: Fitzpatrick Voted For Codifying Sanctions And Creating New
Sanctions On Russia As Part Of A Larger Sanctions Bill On Iran, North
Korea And Russia. In July 2017, Fitzpatrick voted for legislation that
would have, according to Congressional Quarterly, "codif[ied] certain
existing sanctions on Russia, including various sanctions tied to
Russia's aggression in Ukraine, Moscow's annexation of Crimea, and
malicious cyber activities relating to the 2016 U.S. elections. The bill
would [have] establish multiple new sanctions on Russia, including
sanctions on entities conducting malicious cyber activity on behalf of
the Russian government and entities which conduct business with the
Russian intelligence and defense sectors." In addition, also according
to Congressional Quarterly, the legislation would have "impose[d]
various new or expanded sanctions against Iran, including sanctions on
persons that engage in or pose a risk of materially contributing to
Iran's ballistic missile program and sanctions on officials, agents or
affiliates of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The bill would
[have] also impose[d] multiple new or expanded sanctions on North
Korea, including sanctions against entities that purchase certain metals
or minerals from North Korea, and would [have] require[d] the
secretary of State to make a determination as to whether North Korea
constitutes a 'state sponsor of terrorism.'" The vote was on passage.
The House passed the bill by a vote of 419 to 3. The Senate then passed
the legislation, sending the bill to President Trump, who signed it into
law. [House Vote 413,
7/25/17; Congressional
Quarterly, 7/25/17;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
3364]
Legislation Was "Republicans' First Significant Rebuke Of Trump's
Foreign Policy." According to The Hill, "The move marks
congressional Republicans' first significant rebuke of Trump's
foreign policy, where the administration's warmer stance toward
Russia has drawn heavy skepticism from both parties." [The Hill,
7/27/17]
The Bill Would Have Blocked Trump's Ability To Return The Seized
Russian Compounds And Gave Congress The Ability To Block His Ability
To Lift Or Lessen Sanctions On Russia. According to The Hill, "The
bill would block the administration's ability to return the
compounds without congressional approval. In addition to slapping
new financial penalties on Moscow, it would give Congress 30 days
--- or 60 days around the August recess --- to review and
potentially block Trump from lifting or relaxing Russia sanctions;
as well as codify the sanctions on Russia imposed by executive order
by the Obama administration, and allow the Trump administration to
impose new sanctions." [The Hill,
7/27/17]
The Bill Allowed Any Representative To Force A Vote Blocking
Sanctions Relief "That Had Already Passed In The Senate."
According to The Hill, "A compromise reached over the weekend
ensures that any House member can force a vote on a resolution of
disapproval to block sanctions relief that has already passed in the
Senate." [The Hill,
7/27/17]
Trump Argued The Bill Was Flawed And That It Would Make It More
Difficult To Negotiate Better Deals Since The Bill Restricted His
Authority To Life Russian Sanctions. According to Congressional
Quarterly, "President Donald Trump sharply criticized a bipartisan
sanctions bill he signed into law Wednesday, arguing it was
'seriously flawed' and would make it harder to 'strike good deals'
because the measure restricts his ability to lift sanctions on
Russia." [Congressional Quarterly,
8/2/17]
Trump Claimed That The Provisions That Provided U.S. Support To
Ukraine And Condemned The Illegal Invasion Of Crimea Were "Clearly
Unconstitutional." According to Congressional Quarterly, "In an
accompanying five-page signing statement, Trump highlighted a number
of bill provisions that he said are 'clearly unconstitutional,'
including a section that states it is U.S. policy to support the
government of Ukraine and that the United States does not recognize
territorial changes affected by force, including the illegal
invasion and occupation of Crimea." [Congressional Quarterly,
8/2/17]
Trump Claimed The Bill Infringed On The Presidential Powers To
Recognize Foreign Governments And That It Concluded With A The
Zivotofsky V. Kerry Supreme Court Ruling. According to
Congressional Quarterly, "Trump said he agreed with the policy of
not recognizing territory forcefully annexed by Russia, but the
measure infringes on 'the president's exclusive constitutional
authority to recognize foreign governments, including their
territorial bounds, in conflict with the Supreme Court's recent
decision in Zivotofsky v. Kerry.'" [Congressional Quarterly,
8/2/17]
Trump Criticized Language That Gave Congress The Authority To
Review And Vote On Any Proposed Lax On Russian Sanctions.
According to Congressional Quarterly, "The president also criticized
language that gives Congress the right to review and vote on any
proposed easing of sanctions on Russia as being 'outside the
constitutionally required process.' The president said he would
likely honor that provision but did not promise to do so. 'I
nevertheless expect to honor the bill's extended waiting periods to
ensure that the Congress will have a full opportunity to avail
itself of the bill's review procedures,' he said." [Congressional
Quarterly, 8/2/17]
The Bill Sanctioned Russia For Their Continued Military
Involvement In Eastern Ukraine, For Supporting The Assad Regime In
Syria, And For Interfering In The 2016 U.S. Presidential
Elections. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The new
sanctions on Russia are punishment for its continued military
involvement in eastern Ukraine, support for the Assad regime in
Syria and its interference in the 2016 presidential elections."
[Congressional Quarterly,
8/2/17]
2022: Fitzpatrick Voted For The Suspending Normal Trade Relations With
Russia And Belarus Act, Which Allowed President Biden To Increase
Tariffs On Russian And Belarusian Goods Until January 2024. In April
2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Fitzpatrick voted to concur
in the Senate amendment to the Suspending Normal Trade Relations with
Russia and Belarus Act, which in part would "remove the normal trade
relations status of Russia and Belarus with the United States, effective
the day after the bill's enactment. It would authorize the president,
until January 1, 2024, to further increase tariffs on goods from Russia
and Belarus following consultation with Congress. It would authorize the
president to restore the trade status of either country after certifying
to Congress that the country's president has reached an agreement with
the independent government of Ukraine to withdraw Russian or Belarusian
forces and cease military hostilities; poses no immediate military
threat of aggression to any NATO member; and recognizes the right of the
people of Ukraine to independently and freely choose their own
government. It also would establish congressional procedures for
consideration of a joint resolution of disapproval for such a
certification. The vote was on a motion to concur. The House concurred
with the Senate by a vote of 420-3, thus the bill was sent to the
President and ultimately became law. [House Vote 124,
4/7/22; Congressional
Quarterly, 4/7/22;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
7108]
2022: Fitzpatrick Voted For The Suspending Normal Trade Relations With
Russia And Belarus Act, Which Allowed President Biden To Increase
Tariffs On Russian And Belarusian Goods Until January 2024. In March
2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Fitzpatrick voted for the
Suspending Normal Trade Relations with Russia and Belarus Act, which in
part would "remove the normal trade relations status of Russia and
Belarus with the United States, effective the day after the bill's
enactment. It would authorize the president, until January 1, 2024, to
increase tariffs on goods from Russia and Belarus following consultation
with Congress. It would authorize the president to restore the trade
status of either country after certifying to Congress that the
country's president has reached an agreement with the independent
government of Ukraine to withdraw Russian or Belarusian forces and cease
military hostilities; poses no immediate military threat of aggression
to any NATO member; and recognizes the right of the people of Ukraine to
independently and freely choose their own government. It also would
establish congressional procedures for consideration of a joint
resolution of disapproval for such a certification." The vote was on
passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 424-8. The bill was sent
to the Senate, both chambers resolved differences, sent the bill to the
President, and ultimately became law. [House Vote 78,
3/17/22; Congressional
Quarterly, 3/17/22;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
7108]
By Suspending The Normal Trade Relations, The Bill Facilitated
Imposing Tariffs On Russia And Further Weakening Their Economy.
According to CBS News, "The House overwhelmingly approved its
versions of both bills last month. The suspension of normal trade
relations will make it easier for the president to impose tariffs on
Russia, further weakening its economy." [CBS News,
4/7/22]
The Bipartisan Bill Allowed President Biden To Raise Tariffs On
Products From Russia And Belarus Until January 2024. According to
NPR, "The White House backs the bill, sponsored by Ways and Means
Committee Chairman Richard Neal, D-Mass., and the top Republican on
the panel, Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas. It gives President Biden
authority to increase tariffs on products from the two countries
through January 1, 2024." [NPR,
3/17/22]
The Bill Allowed President Biden To Restore Trade Relations Once
Russia And Belarus End All Aggression Against Ukraine, But Created A
Procedure For Congress To Block The Restoration If Congress
Disagrees. According to NPR, "It indicates that the president can
restore trade relations if Russia and Belarus cease all aggression
against Ukraine, but establishes a process for Congress to block
that if it disagrees." [NPR,
3/17/22]