Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) is taking a stand against Russian aggression and standing up for the rights of Ukraine. In an exclusive interview with The Hill, Rep. Bacon announced that he and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) are considering launching a discharge petition to force a vote on a Russian sanctions bill.
This bold move comes amid growing concerns over the Trump administration’s stance on Ukraine. Rep. Bacon, a former Air Force officer, has been a vocal advocate for stronger sanctions against Russia and has been critical of President Trump’s handling of the situation in Ukraine.
In the interview, Rep. Bacon expressed his frustration with the lack of action from the White House, stating, “President Trump has been wrong on Ukraine. We need to send a strong message to Russia that their actions will not be tolerated.” He also emphasized the urgency of the situation, saying, “We cannot afford to sit idly by while Russia continues to meddle in the affairs of other countries.”
The proposed bill, known as the Defending American Security from Kremlin Aggression Act (DASKA), would impose tough sanctions on Russia for its interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, its annexation of Crimea, and its ongoing aggression in Ukraine. The bill has bipartisan support and has already passed the Senate with a vote of 98-2. However, it has been stalled in the House of Representatives, with Republican leadership refusing to bring it to the floor for a vote.
This is where the discharge petition comes in. A discharge petition is a rarely used parliamentary procedure that allows a bill to be brought to the floor for a vote if a majority of House members sign it. This would bypass the traditional route of going through the committee process and bring the bill directly to the House floor for consideration.
Rep. Bacon and Rep. Fitzpatrick are determined to push this bill forward and ensure that it receives a fair vote. They believe that the discharge petition is the best way to do so, as it would force the House leadership to bring the bill to the floor, even if they are unwilling to do so.
The move has received widespread support from both Democrats and Republicans. Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), a co-sponsor of the DASKA bill, praised Rep. Bacon’s efforts, stating, “I commend my colleagues for taking action to hold the Russian government accountable for their aggression and interference in our democracy.”
Rep. Bacon’s decision to support the discharge petition is a testament to his strong stance on national security and his commitment to defending the rights of Ukraine. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, he has a deep understanding of the importance of standing up to foreign aggression and protecting our democracy.
In addition to his role as a congressman, Rep. Bacon is also a member of the U.S. delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, where he has been a vocal advocate for a strong and unified response to Russian aggression. He has also co-sponsored multiple bills aimed at holding Russia accountable for its actions.
With the discharge petition gaining momentum, Rep. Bacon and Rep. Fitzpatrick are optimistic that they will be able to force a vote on the Russian sanctions bill soon. Their determination to see this bill through is a testament to their commitment to upholding American values and protecting our national security.
In a time where political divides seem to be increasing, it is refreshing to see members of Congress coming together to take a stand against a common threat. The discharge petition launched by Rep. Bacon and Rep. Fitzpatrick is a demonstration of true bipartisan cooperation and serves as a reminder that our leaders are united in the fight against foreign interference.
As the push for the discharge petition continues, let us all stand with Rep. Bacon and Rep. Fitzpatrick in their efforts to hold Russia accountable. It is time for our leaders to come together and send a strong message to the Kremlin that their actions will not be tolerated. It is time to defend our democracy and protect our allies, including Ukraine.
