Iowa's four U.S. Representatives among members of Congress sanctioned by Russia
WASHINGTON (KWWL) -- Iowa's four U.S. Representatives have been sanctioned by the Russian Government this week.
The Russian Foreign Ministry formally sanctioned Representatives Ashley Hinson (R, IA-1), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R, IA-2), Cindy Axne (D, IA-3), and Randy Feenstra (R, IA-4), placing them on the Russian 'stop list' on a permanent basis.
According to CNN, the sanctions are a retaliation against the blacklisting of hundreds of Russian lawmakers last month.
According to a statement from the Russian foreign ministry, the "mirror" sanctions include "the leadership and chairmen of the committees of the lower house of the American Congress."
The sanctions were announced against 398 bipartisan members of the U.S. House of Representatives.
After the sanctions were announced, Hinson and Miller-Meeks both issued statements.
“This is badge of honor, but it is laughable that Putin thinks these sanctions will even slightly deter our efforts to defeat him and support the Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom," Hinson said. "Putin is an autocratic thug and a war criminal--I'll continue to do everything in my power to cut him and his cronies off at the knees and ensure Ukraine has the resources necessary to send Putin into retreat.”
“I will not bow down to the thugs in Moscow," Miller-Meeks said. "The invasion of Ukraine violates international law and cannot go unpunished. I am proud to stand with the people of Ukraine and I am inspired by their bravery and will to fight for their country. I will continue to work with all of my colleagues to hold Russia, Putin, and his cronies accountable for their war crimes against the people of Ukraine.”
The list of lawmakers sanctioned could increase, the Russian foreign ministry statement indicates.
"Taking into account the constantly imposed U.S. sanctions, new announcements of Russian countermeasures are planned in the near future, involving an increase in the number of persons included in the 'stop list' and other response steps," the statement says.