US senator says Russia can expect hard-hitting sanctions

(AP) -- Russia can expect hard-hitting sanctions from United States lawmakers if an investigation proves that Moscow interfered in the presidential election, a U.S. senator said Wednesday during a visit

News 12 Staff

Dec 28, 2016, 8:57 PM

Updated 2,767 days ago

Share:

(AP) -- Russia can expect hard-hitting sanctions from United States lawmakers if an investigation proves that Moscow interfered in the presidential election, a U.S. senator said Wednesday during a visit to Latvia.
The Kremlin has been accused of interfering in the campaign that made Republican Donald Trump president-elect. Sen. Lindsey Graham, also a Republican, said lawmakers from both major political parties remain skeptical of the denials that have come from the government of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"I predict there will be bi-partisan sanctions coming that will hit Russia hard, particularly Putin as an individual," Graham told reporters in Riga, the Latvian capital. He didn't elaborate on possible sanctions.
Graham said Wednesday that "Russia is trying to break the back of democracies all around the world," adding that Latvia is "constantly bombarded" with "Russian aggression and interference."
Graham is touring Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania this week with fellow Republican John McCain and Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar. McCain called Russia's behavior "unacceptable."
Speaking at the same event with Latvian President Raimonds Vejonis, McCain reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to the Baltics, saying the relationship with the three former Soviet states "will not change" under the new administration.
The lawmakers are due to be in Vilnius on Thursday. They also plan to visit Ukraine, Georgia and Montenegro.


More from News 12
1:49
Bridgeport church reported finding hundreds of hypodermic needles on parish property this week

Bridgeport church reported finding hundreds of hypodermic needles on parish property this week

1:34
Sunny this weekend, chance of storms next week

Sunny this weekend, chance of storms next week

2:13
‘You know who I am?’ Police video shows Bridgeport councilman’s ‘combative’ traffic stop

‘You know who I am?’ Police video shows Bridgeport councilman’s ‘combative’ traffic stop

0:26
Boat Camp introduces kids to the beauty of Long Island Sound

Boat Camp introduces kids to the beauty of Long Island Sound

0:16
Police: Norwalk man arrested for committing lewd acts against a family member in San Diego

Police: Norwalk man arrested for committing lewd acts against a family member in San Diego

2:33
Can swimming become dangerous due to extremely high water surface temperatures?

Can swimming become dangerous due to extremely high water surface temperatures?

0:42
 Real Deal: Natural gas, rent and medical care continue to increase in Connecticut

Real Deal: Natural gas, rent and medical care continue to increase in Connecticut

0:20
Little boy helps rescue dog in Stratford

Little boy helps rescue dog in Stratford

0:51
Norwalk celebrates 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

Norwalk celebrates 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

1:57
'It's powerful.' NHL stars participate in Stamford fundraiser to raise awareness of suicide prevention

'It's powerful.' NHL stars participate in Stamford fundraiser to raise awareness of suicide prevention

2:08
63rd annual summer book sale begins at Pequot Library in Southport

63rd annual summer book sale begins at Pequot Library in Southport

0:31
Shelton homeowner faces charges after illegal fireworks cause fire to escalate

Shelton homeowner faces charges after illegal fireworks cause fire to escalate

1:57
Bridgeport Police Department swears in dozens of new recruits

Bridgeport Police Department swears in dozens of new recruits

2:00
Harris campaign highlights challenges female candidates face in CT

Harris campaign highlights challenges female candidates face in CT

0:14
Officials: West Nile virus confirmed in mosquitoes collected from Danbury testing site

Officials: West Nile virus confirmed in mosquitoes collected from Danbury testing site

0:56
Free life jacket station unveiled at Lake Simmons in Greenwich

Free life jacket station unveiled at Lake Simmons in Greenwich

0:43
Connecticut resident awarded Caregiver of the Year award at BrightStar Care in Norwalk

Connecticut resident awarded Caregiver of the Year award at BrightStar Care in Norwalk

0:32
Connecticut State Police rescue ducks from Interstate-91 in Hartford

Connecticut State Police rescue ducks from Interstate-91 in Hartford

2:46
Main Street Connecticut: Showcasing the best of Weston

Main Street Connecticut: Showcasing the best of Weston

0:56
Norwalk unveils new playground at Flax Hill Park

Norwalk unveils new playground at Flax Hill Park