'There Goes My Spring Break Plans:' US Congressmen Laugh Off Being Sanctioned By Russia
Russia hit back against sanctions on its officials from the West by announcing its own list of penalties against 398 members of the U.S. Congress. Being sanctioned by Russia has been welcomed by lawmakers, as several called it a badge of honor.
On Thursday, Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a list of House of Representatives to sanction amid its war with Ukraine. The ministry described the actions as retaliatory, referring to them as a “mirror” of previous U.S. sanctions against members of Russia’s State Duma, which is a similar government body to the House.
Included on the list are members from the Democratic and Republican parties, as well as the chairmen and women of House committees like Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., who chairs the House Armed Services Committee.
Also on the list are prominent members who have supported U.S. efforts to aid Ukraine but have not been particularly vocal on the war, like Democrat Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York. Members who have been critical of U.S. support for Ukraine also made the cut, with sanctions aimed at controversial Republicans Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and Rep. Madison Cawthorn of North Carolina.
Many members who found themselves on Russia’s sanctions list did not appear particularly phased.
“Well there goes my Spring Break plans!" tweeted Rep. Brendan Boyle, D-Penn., after learning of his inclusion.
“Moscow is cold this time of year anyway,” wrote Rep. Mondaire Jones, D-N.Y., on his Twitter account.
Others took the Russian designation as a badge of honor for their support of Ukraine against Moscow’s invasion.
"I am honored to be included on this list of Members of Congress sanctioned by Russia, and I will continue to #StandwithUkraine and support human rights, democracy and freedom around the world," posted Rep. Young Kim, R-Calif., a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
“Today, 120 years later, I was sanctioned by Russia for opposing the very genocide, authoritarianism, and tyranny I promised my great-grandparents I would fight,” said Rep. Dean Phillips, D-Minn., whose family is of Russian Jewish descent.
Curiously excluded from the list were a number of powerful lawmakers who have spoken harshly about Russia for its invasion of Ukraine and who command powerful positions within the House.
Speaker of the House Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., was previously sanctioned by Russia, but House Minority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., also failed to make the list. Committee chairmen and ranking members on the House Intelligence and Foreign Affairs Committees were similarly excluded for unclear reasons.
Russia’s move to impose its own sanctions on members of Congress follow an earlier list that included President Joe Biden, as well as members of his family and cabinet.
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