U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam (R-IL) recently introduced a bipartisan resolution that signals congressional Democrats and Republicans are united in their opposition to Russian efforts to meddle in other countries’ democratic elections.
The Keeping Russia Out of European Elections Act, which Roskam introduced with U.S. Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI), follows the governments of Ukraine, Germany, Bulgaria, France and Italy all reporting cyberattacks from Russian computers.
“Russia is attempting to undermine democracy and democratic institutions across the Western world,” Roskam said. “The House and Senate Intelligence Committees have launched inquiries into Russian interference in our own elections. While we await the results of that investigation, it’s important we present a bipartisan front and make it very clear the U.S. Congress strongly condemns Russian malfeasance in Europe and around the world.”
In January, 17 federal intelligence agencies concluded that Russia attempted to interfere with the U.S. election.
Cicilline said Russia’s unprecedented interference in the 2016 presidential election “struck at the foundations of our democracy.”
“We cannot stand by as this continues,” he said. “The Kremlin needs to know that we will not tolerate their ongoing efforts to undermine our closest allies. It’s important that the U.S. House of Representatives speak with one voice to condemn these activities.”
Nearly 20 elections will take place across Europe, including contests in France and Germany, in 2017.