(19 Feb 2017) Senior US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham on Sunday urged US President Donald Trump to take action against Russia over allegations that Moscow interfered in the election that brought him to power, while promising tough Congressional action.
US intelligence officials have told Trump that Moscow tried to influence voters by hacking Democratic emails and trolling social media sites, but Trump has sought to downplay Russia's role in the election.
Speaking to world leaders, diplomats and defence officials at the Munich Security Conference, South Carolina Senator Graham said Congress needs to get involved to ensure there are "consequences" for the alleged hacking.
"2017 is going to be a year of kicking Russia in the ass in Congress," Graham said.
Referring to upcoming elections in France and Germany this year and concerns of outside interference, Graham said "I promise everybody in this room that Congress is going to take a long hard look at what Russia did to undermine our elections, so you'll be better prepared when they come your way."
He said he planned to introduce a bipartisan motion for new Russia sanctions and it will get "north of 75 votes."
Russia denies meddling in the election.
Though the allegations are that the hacking was directed at the Democrats, Graham said "we should have an Article 5 ... that an attack on one party is an attack on all."
He was referring to NATO's Article 5, which states that an attack on one member of the alliance is seen an attack of the entire alliance.
Find out more about AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
Twitter: [ Ссылка ]
Facebook: [ Ссылка ]
Instagram: [ Ссылка ]
You can license this story through AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
