WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are pushing to label Russia a state sponsor of terror.
The bipartisan bill announced Thursday comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a deal with North Korea to defend each other if either country is attacked.
The U.S. currently considers Cuba, Iran, Syria and North Korea state sponsors of terror. Two senators want Russia to join that list. Connecticut Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal says Russia should be considered a state sponsor of terror.
“Russia deserves to be in this small, selective club of atrocity committing killers,” Blumenthal said.
Blumenthal and South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham’s bill would do just that.
During Putin’s visit he witnessed a show of North Korea’s military and signed an agreement with Kim Jong Un to defend each other in case of attacks.
The senators call it the last straw.
“We have lost deterrence,” said Graham.
Lawmakers say their resolution would strengthen sanctions, isolate Russia on the world stage, and boost morale in Ukraine.
“It is time for us to push back. Now is the moment,” said Graham.
Blumenthal says this is no substitute for sending more military aid to Ukraine as it defends itself from Russia. He says it’s about being on the right side of history.
“Democracy is under siege,” Blumenthal said. Lawmakers last brought this proposal up in 2022.
The White House said it’s not the most effective way to deal with Russia and could have unintended consequences.