Washington, D.C. – House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement about the recent expulsion of 60 Russian officials from the United States and closure of the Russian consulate in Seattle:

“It is appropriate that President Trump has expelled Russian diplomats in response to an apparent attack using chemical weapons on the soil of a U.S. ally, but it is disturbing how grudgingly he came to this decision. At first, President Trump refused to say anything negative at all about President Putin in relation to this horrific attack—and instead called to congratulate him on his rigged reelection. We need a President who is going to stand openly and unequivocally against the extraordinary actions Russia is taking to undermine democratic values and international norms.

“The uncomfortable truth is that the United States is not doing everything we can and should be doing to protect our national security in this area. Until President Trump changes his tune and takes comprehensive action to protect our elections, defend our country and our allies, and counter Russia’s activities—which must include real efforts to speak positively about American values instead of trashing the freedom of the press and the rule of law—I fear we are putting ourselves in jeopardy.”

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