The Trump administration in recent weeks has demonstrated concern over Russian meddling in U.S. affairs. The action is necessary but belated, as if the administration finally has been roused by the alarm after repeatedly hitting the snooze button.
Members of Congress, including Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Battle Ground, must demonstrate the same urgency in dealing with Russian attempts to undermine our democracy and the United States’ role in global diplomacy. There should be, at this point, no doubt that Vladimir Putin’s Russia is determined to foment chaos within our institutions.
On March 15, the administration announced sanctions against Russia for a cyber intrusion upon the 2016 election. Critics rightly point out two shortcomings: It was a belated reaction to sanctions passed last year by Congress and signed by President Donald Trump; and it largely targeted 13 Russian nationals already indicted by special counsel Robert Mueller, who is investigating the 2016 election. Despite signing off on the sanctions, Trump waited months before acting. Meanwhile, he has been loath to criticize Putin or to accept the existence of Russian interference — despite consensus from the intelligence community.
Meanwhile, the administration last week expelled 60 Russian diplomats and closed the Russian consulate in Seattle. The action resulted from concern that Seattle is of particular interest to Russian operatives, with Boeing, Microsoft, Amazon, and Naval Base Kitsap providing rich espionage targets. Several other nations joined the United States in expelling Russian diplomats following the poisoning of a former Russian spy in Britain — a poisoning that British officials have blamed upon the Kremlin.
As evidence mounts that Russia is actively attempting to undermine Western democracies, it is essential that members of Congress protect efforts to explore the depth of those actions. That includes protection for Mueller’s investigation, which frequently has been criticized by Trump.
Such protection for the very foundation of our democracy and for the integrity of our elections should go beyond partisan bickering. As The Seattle Times wrote editorially: “If the U.S. is to continue being a model of freedom and democracy around the planet, we must demonstrate that our system of government is strong, resilient and self-correcting.”
Herrera Beutler wrote to the Times (https://tinyurl.com/y9dfasdb): “Mr. Mueller must be allowed to complete his independent investigation into Russia’s efforts to influence U.S. elections and provide his conclusion to the American people; they deserve to know the full extent of Russia’s actions. Those interested in using this investigation as a political tool are doing the American people a disservice, and those seeking to end it before it is complete are doing the same.”
We agree. Trump’s frequent harangues targeting Mueller and the Department of Justice are disconcerting, and any attempt to prematurely end the investigation must be met with the full force of Congress. Herrera Beutler’s response indicates that she understands the gravity of the situation, and it is preferable to that of fellow Washington Republicans Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Dan Newhouse, who declined to answer inquiries. Republicans must make it clear that attacks upon the investigation amount to attacks upon American democracy.
Standing up to Russian influence defends the sovereignty of the United States. As the Mueller investigation runs its course, Congress must put country ahead of party. Our democracy depends upon it.
