Zero-Tolerance Senators Go After Putin with a Big, Bad Resolution

Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) want to put Vladimir Putin on notice with a big, bad Senate resolution.

The bipartisan endeavor encourages Russia to give NSA leaker Edward Snowden the boot from Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport, where he’s been hanging out since June 23.

The resolution states that harboring Snowden is bad for the U.S.-Russia relationship.

“On multiple fronts, Russia is becoming one of the bad actors in the world,” said Graham. “Russia continues to provide cover to the Iranian nuclear program and sell sophisticated weapons to the Assad regime in Syria to butcher tens of thousands of its own citizens.  For Russia to grant temporary asylum to Mr. Snowden on top of all this would do serious damage to our relationship. It is past time we send a strong message to President Putin about Russia’s actions and this resolution will help accomplish that goal.”

The resolution also encourages President Obama to consider other options for the September G-20 summit in St. Petersburg.

“Time and time again, President Putin is too eager to stick a finger in the eye of the United States – whether it is arming the murderous Assad regime in Syria, supporting Iran’s nuclear development or now providing shelter and Russian state protection to Edward Snowden,” said Schumer. “Enough is enough. It’s time to send a crystal clear message to President Putin about Russia’s deplorable behavior, and this resolution will do just that.”