Turner takes action on Russia, Ukraine
Congressman Michael Turner (R-OH), the Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces and the Chairman of the U.S. Delegation to the North Atlantic Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA), along with House Armed Services Committee Chairman Buck McKeon (R-CA), introduced legislation that takes serious action against Russian aggression.
The legislation recognizes the Russian reality, condemns Russian aggression, strengthens NATO and our Allies, and provides strategic military advice to Ukraine.
“While Putin exacerbates his pursuit of a hostile world view, President Obama is still chasing a false narrative," said Turner.
"Russia continues to actively intimidate Ukraine and threaten destabilization throughout the region.
"The Obama Administration has been unable to counter this escalation of Putin’s aggressive posture. Instead, they have been defensive, unsure, and unable to change Putin’s course of action," Turner said.
Today, Congress is providing the Obama Administration with a to-do list. This legislation outlines specific measures that can be taken up immediately and that will signal a fundamental shift in U.S. strategy.
I urge the president and his administration to abandon their false narrative, recognize the Russian reality, and support this legislation,” said Turner.
The bill will be introduced tomorrow. Please see below for a detailed summary. Congressman Mike Rogers (R-AL), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces is co-authoring the legislation.
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Summary of Proposed Legislation
“Forging Peace through Strength in Ukraine and the Transatlantic Alliance”
The Turner-Rogers legislation would condemn Russian aggression and illegal annexation of Crimea, while also seeking to reassure NATO allies and promote closer military cooperation with Ukraine:
Recognizing The Russian Reality
Illegal Occupation of Ukraine, INF, and CFE Treaty Violations: Prohibits U.S. military contact and cooperation with the Russian military until the Secretary of Defense certifies the Russian military is no longer illegally occupying Crimea, no longer violating the Intermediate-range Nuclear Force (INF) treaty, and is in compliance with the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) treaty.
NNSA Cooperation: Prohibits the contact, cooperation or transfer of technology between the National Nuclear SecurityAdministration and the Russian Federation until the Secretary of Energy certifies the Russian military is no longer illegally occupying Crimea, no longer violating the INF treaty, and in compliance with the CFE treaty.
Renews the Russia MilPower Report on military and security developments of the Russian Federation with no termination date.
Condemning Russian Aggression
Condemns Russia for undermining regional stability, and more specifically, for intimidating Ukraine and reaffirms the U.S. commitment to the Budapest Memorandum and the Article V commitments to NATO allies.
Strengthening NATO and our Allies
NATO Enlargement: Supports enlargement and calls for The United States to seek immediate membership in NATO for Montenegro, a NATO Membership Action Plan (MAP) for Georgia, a diplomatic solution to disputes between Macedonia and Greece, and seeks a "Dayton II" agreement in order to resolve the constitutional issues of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Providing Military Advice and Assistance: Requires a plan to provide advice and assistance to the Ukrainian military to enhance their defensive preparations and posture.