Neal Statement on Trump’s Surrender to Putin

SPRINGFIELD, MA— Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement after President Trump announced he’d waive new sanctions on Russia under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026:

“In America, standing with our allies in Europe against Putin’s aggression is an ironclad commitment to peace and democracy and shouldn’t be optional. But when it matters most, Donald Trump has shown he’ll abandon our partners and undermine our own laws to cozy up to tyrants and benefit himself. It's irresponsible, antithetical to American values, and should shake us all. After already opening the door for us to bankroll his war machine by purchasing Russian diesel, why should anyone believe Trump won’t keep cowering to Putin and putting his interests over our own?

“We warned about what handing Trump more unchecked power meant. Every Republican outraged by this capitulation should be reminded that it’s only possible because they continue to sit idly by and allow our values and partnerships to be eroded as they refuse to hold this Administration to account. Surrendering to tyrants may fly under Republican control, but Democrats stand with our allies and will provide the accountability this moment demands.”

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