Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi fired out a statement on Thursday condemning Donald Trump for lifting previous Russian sanctions and essentially rewarding Vladimir Putin and Russia for hacking our 2016 elections. CNBC reports:
The Trump administration on Thursday altered sanctions against companies doing business with Russia's domestic intelligence agency.
The Treasury Department said it will allow American companies to make limited transactions with the FSB, the successor to the KGB, if it needs them to get approval to import or distribute technology products in Russia. The exception will also apply to situations in which companies need to comply with rules administered by the FSB.
"I haven't eased anything," said Trump to reporters at the White House on Thursday. But Press Secretary Sean Spicer calls the easing of the sanctions, “routine.” Members of both parties are not so sure this is no big deal.
In response, Leader Pelosi does not mince words with her opinions:
“Vladimir Putin’s thugs meddle with an American election, and President Trump gives them a thank you present.”
Here is Nancy Pelosi’s full statement.
PRESS RELEASES 02.02.17
Statement on Trump Lifting Sanctions on Putin’s Intelligence Thugs
Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement after President Trump lifted sanctions on the FSB, the Russian Federal Security Service and successor to the KGB:
“U.S. intelligence agencies have thoroughly detailed the Russian security services’ brazen assault on American democracy in support of candidate Donald Trump. Less than two weeks after walking into the White House, President Trump lifts sanctions on the Russian Security Service. Vladimir Putin’s thugs meddle with an American election, and President Trump gives them a thank you present.
“I have been asking the same question for a while: what do the Russians have on President Trump? The FBI must accelerate their investigation into the financial, personal and political ties between Donald Trump and Russia. President Trump’s reckless and dangerous agenda is jeopardizing America’s national security.
“With every day that passes, the need for a bipartisan, independent, outside commission to investigate Russia’s intervention in our election becomes clearer and more urgent. We must understand how Russia hacked into our democratic institutions, and ensure it never happens again.”
Jason Pramuck with CNBC adds:
In December, President Obama authorized sanctions on individuals that America's intelligence agencies determined were involved in the efforts, including cyberattacks, to meddle with the U.S. elections in November. The White House sanctioned nine entities and individuals: two Russian intelligence agencies including the FSB, four officers of Russia's largest intelligence agency, the GRU, and three companies that supported GRU's operations.
Earlier in the day, Nancy Pelosi called Trump’s top strategist Steve Bannon a “White Supremacist,” not once but twice.
“Thugs,” White Supremacists...” — this is what a Democratic leader looks like. Calling people what they are — publicly and unabashedly, and charging forward. All Democratic lawmakers who are not taking fiery action need to grow a spine, before our democracy is gone. Given the damage Trump has done in 10 days, now seems the time to call for impeachment.
Related:
To learn more about some of the major accomplishments of the 110th Congress under the leadership of Nancy Pelosi, visit: DemocraticLeader.gov or read below:
Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats passed over 230 key measures — more than 70% with significant bipartisan support
“Mrs. Pelosi is arguably the most powerful woman in American history. There have been female governors, secretaries of state and Supreme Court justices, but only one female Speaker.” – The Economist, March 2010
Major accomplishments of the 110th Congress under the Democratic leadership of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi
The House had a quick, successful start (“Six for ’06” Agenda) and continued to build on that record of accomplishment throughout the Congress. Listed are selected highlights of the legislation signed into law:
Innovation and Jobs
Comprehensive Energy Legislation, which raised vehicle fuel efficiency standards (35 mpg by the year 2020) for the first time in 32 years, and making an historic commitment to American homegrown biofuels.
Tax Incentives for Clean Renewable Energy that helped create or save over 500,000 jobs.
Competes Act promoted high‐tech jobs, expanded math and science education, and boosted research and innovation.
Economic Recovery and Stimulus Package with Recovery Rebates for 130 million American middle class families to provide some help during difficult economic period.
Education
Largest Expansion of College Aid in Six Decades, cutting loan rates in half and increasing Pell Grants.
New GI Bill to provide free college education to veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan.
Head Start Reauthorization, first reform and expansion in 10 years.
Fairness
Minimum Wage Increase, first in 10 years, a $4,400 raise for 13 million Americans.
Economic Rescue Legislation to protect Main Street from the crisis on Wall Street.
Alternative Minimum Tax Reform protected 25 million middle‐class families from paying the AMT.
Mental Health Parity to end coverage discrimination against patients seeking treatment for mental illnesses.
Landmark Lobby and Ethics Reform, including creating of an outside, independent ethics panel.
National Security
Enacted 911 Commission recommendations to strengthen homeland security.
Largest Investment in Veteran’s Health care in the 77‐year history of the VA.
And in the words of former President Barack Obama:
“I cannot speak highly enough of Nancy Pelosi. She combines strong progressive values with extraordinary political skill ... I think she's a remarkable leader.”— President Barack Obama, November 2016