Foreign Affairs Chairman Says Congress Has Options on Russia

Foreign Affairs Chairman Says Congress Has Options on Russia
By Adam Graham-Silverman, CQ Staff


Congress added its voice Monday to the growing chorus of U.S. leaders and politicians condemning the Russian invasion of neighboring Georgia, warning of legislative action against Moscow if it does not accept an immediate cease-fire and withdraw its troops.

The chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee suggested that lawmakers could take serious action against Russia when they reconvene in September.

“Without getting into any specifics, there are issues involving our relations with Russia that come before the Congress,” said Howard L. Berman , D-Calif., in an interview.

Russia’s actions may have imperiled two of its global goals — entry into the World Trade Organization, where Georgia has filed grievances against it, and a civilian nuclear treaty now pending before Congress.

Berman had supported the Russia nuclear deal on the condition that Moscow cut its aid to Iran. He said Monday that despite the U.S. need for Russian help to stop Iran’s nuclear program, the situation in Georgia cannot be ignored.

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