Womack Backs Legislation to Sanction and Deter Putin

Statement

Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today continued his efforts to hold Russia accountable for its escalating aggression and destabilizing behavior by cosponsoring the Never Yielding Europe's Territory (NYET) Act. The legislation provides critical support Ukraine needs to defend itself and deter threats while also imposing real consequences on the Kremlin for its malign efforts.

Congressman Womack said, "Peace through strength starts with deterring bad actors. We have seen the opposite of that from President Biden--whose concessions and weakness on the world stage have emboldened Russia. It's long past due for Putin to face real consequences. This bill supports our Ukrainian partners and imposes strong deterrence on Moscow. If Russia invades a sovereign country, the penalties will be crippling and decisive."

NYET Act provisions include:

Imposing real costs on Russia:

Immediately stops construction of the Nord Stream 2 project and would mandate sanctions on the project without a waiver should Russia invade Ukraine. Prior to an invasion, the bill suspends sanctions for as long as the German government continues to suspend the certification process.
Sends a clear deterrent message to Putin that an invasion of Ukraine will result in massive economic consequences to Russia's economy, including:
Sanctions on major Russian banks; and
Secondary sanctions on banks that continue business with sanctioned Russian banks.
Sanctions Putin's cronies, enablers, and major banks before Russia further invades Ukraine to ensure Putin pays a price now for hybrid attacks already launched.
Allows any chairman or ranking member of a national security committee to force a determination from the president on whether Russia's aggression against Ukraine constitutes a major escalation and fulfills conditions to trigger sanctions.
Supporting Ukraine before, during, and after a Russian escalation:

Provides $500 million in Foreign Military Financing (FMF) for Ukraine, including $250 million in emergency funding, with $100 million for emergency lethal assistance for critical capabilities like air defense, anti-armor, and anti-ship capabilities.
Creates a new Ukraine Resistance Fund to help Ukraine resist attempts to occupy or subjugate any new territory Russia seizes, while sending a clear message to Putin that his military will pay a price for advances into sovereign Ukrainian territory.
Authorizes a new Lend-Lease authority for Ukraine.
Expedites congressional review of arms sales and security assistance to Ukraine.
Countering Russian malign influence and aggression throughout Europe:

Doubles funding for U.S. military exercises in Europe.
Creates a new State Department FMF program for Eastern Europe to help European allies strengthen their own defensive capabilities and incentivize greater burden-sharing.
Boosts funding for State Department efforts to counter Russian disinformation, including the Global Engagement Center, and expands broadcasting by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
Text of the NYET Act can be found here.

The Biden Administration has continually appeased Russia. President Biden seemingly ignored the Colonial Pipeline hack, waived sanctions on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, sought Russia's help and cooperation in negotiating with Iran, and offered to withdraw missile defense in Poland. In January, the White House also worked to kill sanctions included in the latest National Defense Authorization Act, which would have targeted the Navalny list, Russia's sovereign debt, and Nord Stream 2.

Womack has been a steadfast supporter of defense efforts and programs to deter Russian influence through the appropriations process, as well as policies advancing Ukraine's goals of peace, freedom, and democracy.

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