Remember Congress passing a bill to sanction Russia for its various misdeeds against the wishes of President Trump?
Maybe he forgot.
Foreign Policy reports a couple of Senators are irate:
On Wednesday, leading senators from both parties — Maryland Democrat Ben Cardin and Arizona Republican John McCain — criticized the Donald Trump administration for not meeting a deadline for implementing new sanctions on Russia’s defense and intelligence sectors.
“The delay calls into question the Trump administration’s commitment to the sanctions bill which was signed into law more than two months ago, following months of public debate and negotiations in Congress,” they said in a statement. …
Cardin, ranking member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, and McCain, chairman of the Senate Committee on Armed Services, were the chief sponsors of the sanctions legislation in question, which passed the Senate by a 98-2 vote. The measure was part of a legislative push to give Congress more control over Russia sanctions, and to increase the scope of U.S. economic pressure on Moscow.
Some may say this is the risk you run when those responsible for making the law are separate from those charged with implementing the law. However, I think the Trump Administration is running a long-term risk – pissing off Congress. Congress is a body with a reputation for being jealous of its rank and powers, and if Trump is perceived as ignoring the laws made by Congress, they’ll remember.
They’ll remember if they ever see the Articles of Impeachment on their desks.
It’s not wise for Trump to give them reason to vote against him when push comes to shove. He’s accomplished a lot of firsts, although most of them would be considered blots on his record, rather than highlights. But a successful ouster would be the ultimate black spot for Trump. If he’s listening to advisers who are suggesting he ignore this law, he might be better served by sending those advisers down the same path so many of his people have already taken.
Right out the back exit.
