Republican Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska has expressed his support for a discharge petition that would force a vote on a crucial Russian sanctions bill. In an interview with The Hill, Bacon stated that he believes President Trump has been “wrong” on Ukraine and feels compelled to take action.
Bacon, along with fellow Republican Representative Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, is considering bringing forth the discharge petition as early as next week. This move would bypass the House leadership and bring the bill directly to the floor for a vote.
The Russian sanctions bill, also known as the Ukraine Freedom Support Act, was initially introduced in 2014 in response to Russian aggression in Ukraine. However, it has been languishing in Congress, with no action taken on it since 2018. In light of recent developments, including the Ukraine scandal and impeachment proceedings against President Trump, Bacon and Fitzpatrick believe it is more important than ever to address this vital issue.
Bacon highlighted the importance of standing up for Ukraine, stating that “we need to do what we can to make sure that the aggression by Russia is stopped, and that’s been my focus.” He also emphasized that taking action on the Russian sanctions bill is a critical step towards holding Russia accountable for their actions.
The discharge petition would require the support of a majority of House members in order to move forward. While it remains uncertain whether it will garner enough support, Bacon is determined to make a difference. He stated, “I’ve been a strong advocate and I’ve been frustrated that we haven’t moved this forward.”
Bacon’s decision to support the discharge petition is a significant move for a Republican lawmaker, as it goes against the current stance of the party’s leadership. It also reflects a growing sentiment within the party that something needs to be done to address the situation in Ukraine.
The controversy surrounding the Ukraine scandal has raised concerns about President Trump’s relationship with Russia and his handling of foreign policy. With the impeachment inquiry underway, many Republicans are starting to voice their discontent with the administration’s stance on Russia.
Bacon’s willingness to take action and challenge the party’s stance on this issue is commendable. He is standing up for what he believes is right, even if it goes against the party line. As a former Air Force officer, Bacon understands the importance of standing up for what is just and defending the values of democracy.
The discharge petition, if successful, would be a significant victory for Bacon and Fitzpatrick in their efforts to address the Russian sanctions bill. It would also be a decisive message to the Trump administration that the Republican Party is serious about holding Russia accountable for their actions.
In these uncertain times, it is crucial for our elected representatives to prioritize the needs of the country over party politics. The Russian sanctions bill is not a partisan issue; it is a matter of national security and standing up for our values.
Bacon and Fitzpatrick’s efforts to push for a vote on the Russian sanctions bill are a promising sign of bipartisanship and a reminder that our democracy works best when both parties work together towards a common goal.
It is now up to the rest of the House to support the discharge petition and take action on the Russian sanctions bill. Our leaders must prioritize the interests of the American people and send a strong message to Russia that their aggression will not be tolerated.
In conclusion, Rep. Don Bacon’s decision to support a discharge petition to force a vote on the Russian sanctions bill is a courageous move that deserves recognition. His actions demonstrate a commitment to upholding our democratic values and standing up for what is right. It is time for Congress to come together and take action on this critical issue. The American people are counting on them to put aside their differences and do what is best for the country.
