2022: Schweikert Voted Against 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, Schweikert voted against 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: Schweikert 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, Schweikert 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: Schweikert Voted To Condemn Russian Treatment Of Ukrainian Children. In March 2024, Schweikert 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: Schweikert 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, Schweikert 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: Schweikert Voted Against The FY 2020 Minibus Appropriations Bill, Which Provided $590 Million To Counter Russian And Chinese Influence. In December 2019, Schweikert voted against 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: Schweikert Voted Against Recognizing Russia's Illegal Attempt To Annex Crimea And Separate Ukraine Through Military Force. In April 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert 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: Schweikert 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, Schweikert 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: Schweikert 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, Schweikert 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: Schweikert 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, Schweikert 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: Schweikert 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, Schweikert 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]
2014: Schweikert Effectively Voted Against The New START Treaty By Requiring That The Defense And State Secretaries Certify That Russia Is Respecting Ukrainian Sovereignty Before Funds Are Spent Implementing The Treaty. On May 2014, Schweikert voted for an amendment that would have, according to Congressional Quarterly, "bar[red] the use of funds authorized by the bill to implement the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty until the Defense secretary and the secretary of State certify that Russia is respecting Ukrainian sovereignty and is no longer violating the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces or the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe treaties." The underlying legislation was an FY 2015 defense authorization. The vote was on the amendment. The House adopted the amendment by a vote of 233 to 191. The House later passed the underlying bill, but a separate defense authorization later became law that was lacking the policy. [House Vote 236, 5/22/14; Congressional Quarterly, 5/22/14; Congress.com, H.R. 3979; Congressional Actions, H. Amdt. 679; Congressional Actions, H.R. 4435]
2019: Schweikert 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, Schweikert 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: Schweikert 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, Schweikert 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: Schweikert Voted To Deny Visas For U.S. Entry To Russian Officials Responsible For Violations Of Religious Freedom. In April 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert 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: Schweikert Voted To Transfer Assets Seized From Russia To A Ukraine Support Fund. In April 2024, Schweikert 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: Schweikert Voted Against Authorizing Using The Proceeds From Assets Forfeited By Entities Associated With Russian President Putin To Support Rebuilding Ukraine. In July 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted against 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: Schweikert 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, Schweikert 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: Schweikert Voted To Prohibit The Import Of Russian Oil And Energy Products Into The U.S. In March 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert 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: Schweikert Effectively Voted Against The Ending Importation Of Russian Oil Act. In March 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert 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: Schweikert Effectively Voted Against The Ending Importation Of Russian Oil Act. In March 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert 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: Schweikert Effectively Voted Against The Ending Importation Of Russian Oil Act. In March 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert 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: Schweikert 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, Schweikert 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: Schweikert Voted To Impose Sanctions On 328 Members Of The Russia State Duma. In April 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert 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: Schweikert Voted To Disapprove The Trump Administration's Proposed Suspension Of Sanctions Against A Russian Oligarch Called Deripaska. In January 2019, Schweikert 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: Schweikert 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, Schweikert 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]
2014: Schweikert Voted For Legislation Expanding And Codifying Sanctions Against Russia. In March 2014, Schweikert voted for legislation that codified sanctions against Russia and authorized $70 million to aid Ukraine. According to Congressional Quarterly, "authorize[d] $70 million in aid to Ukraine, including $50 million for democracy and civil society efforts. It also would [have] codif[ied] and expand[ed] sanctions imposed by the Obama administration against certain Russian officials. It would [have] call[ed] on the president to sanction Russian officials and others who have undermined the Ukrainian government, committed human rights abuses and engaged in corrupt acts in Russia. It also would [have] call[ed] on the president to examine whether Russia has violated a 1988 arms treaty." 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 399 to 19. The Senate took no substantive action on the legislation, but a separate bill became law. This bill did not authorize $8 million to better Ukrainian law enforcement capabilities and did not ask the president to investigate if Russia had violated the 1988 arms treaty. [House Vote 148, 3/27/14; Congressional Quarterly, 3/27/14; Congressional Quarterly, 4/1/14; Congressional Actions, H.R. 4278]
2022: Schweikert 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, Schweikert 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: Schweikert 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, Schweikert 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]
2015: Schweikert Voted To Bar Funds From Being Used To Implement The New START Treaty Until Russian Troops No Longer Occupy Ukraine. In May 2015, Schweikert voted for an amendment that would have, according to Congressional Quarterly, "bar[red] funds authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available for the Defense Department in fiscal 2016 from being used to implement the New START treaty until the president certifies that Russia's armed forces are 'no longer illegally occupying Ukrainian territory,' as well as certain other certifications." The underlying legislation was H.R. 1735, the FY 2016 NDAA. The vote was on the amendment. The House approved the amendment by a vote of 235 to 182. The Congress later passed the legislation, which the president vetoed and was not overridden. [House Vote 234, 5/15/15; Congressional Quarterly, 5/15/15; Congressional Actions, H. Amdt. 226; Congressional Actions, H.R. 1735]
2014: Schweikert Voted To Condemn Russia's Policy Towards Ukraine. In December 2014, Schweikert voted for a resolution calling on Russia to withdraw its forces in Ukraine. According to Congressional Quarterly, the resolution "would express support for efforts by President Poroshenko and the people of Ukraine to establish a lasting peace in their country through the full withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine, establishing full control of Ukraine's international borders, the disarming of separatist and paramilitary forces in eastern Ukraine and the adoption of policies to reduce Russia's ability to use energy exports and trade barriers as economic weapons. It would call on Russia to end their violations of the cease-fire announced in Minsk on Sept. 5, 2014 and to cooperate with U.S. allies to impose visa bans, targeted asset freezes and sanctions to force Russia to end its occupation of Ukraine." The vote was on agreeing to the resolution. The House accepted the resolution 411 to 10. [House Vote 548, 12/4/14; Congressional Quarterly, 12/4/14; Congressional Actions, H. Res. 758]
2014: Schweikert Voted For A Bill That Would Provide Loan Guarantees And Economic Assistance To Ukraine And Sanctioned Russian And Ukrainian Officials Related To The Annexation Of Crimea. In March 2014, Schweikert voted for a bill that would have, according to Congressional Quarterly, "authorize[d] loan guarantees and economic assistance to Ukraine, and impose[d] sanctions on Russian and ex-Ukrainian officials. It would make unobligated State Department funds available for loan guarantees and authorize $150 million for direct aid, including $50 million for technical and civil society assistance initiatives in Ukraine, such as free and fair elections. It would authorize the president to impose visa restrictions or block the assets of any person, including Russian government officials or their close associates, determined to be responsible for the crisis in Ukraine. It also would require the Defense Department to issue an annual report on Russian military capabilities beginning on June 1, 2015, and then on June 1 each year through 2020." The vote was on a motion to suspend the rules the rules and concur with the Senate amendments. The House agreed to the motion by a vote of 378 to 34. President Obama later signed the legislation into law. [House Vote 149, 4/1/14; Congressional Quarterly, 3/27/14; Congressional Actions, S. Amdt. 2867; Congressional Actions, H.R. 4152]
2014: Schweikert Voted For Legislation Authorizing $70 Million In Aid To Ukraine. In March 2014, Schweikert voted for legislation that codified sanctions against Russia and authorized $70 million to aid Ukraine. According to Congressional Quarterly, "authorize[d] $70 million in aid to Ukraine, including $50 million for democracy and civil society efforts. It also would [have] codif[ied] and expand[ed] sanctions imposed by the Obama administration against certain Russian officials. It would [have] call[ed] on the president to sanction Russian officials and others who have undermined the Ukrainian government, committed human rights abuses and engaged in corrupt acts in Russia. It also would [have] call[ed] on the president to examine whether Russia has violated a 1988 arms treaty." 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 399 to 19. The Senate took no substantive action on the legislation, but a separate bill became law. This bill did not authorize $8 million to better Ukrainian law enforcement capabilities and did not ask the president to investigate if Russia had violated the 1988 arms treaty. [House Vote 148, 3/27/14; Congressional Quarterly, 3/27/14; Congressional Quarterly, 4/1/14; Congressional Actions, H.R. 4278]