Senator Blumenthal on Sanctions Against Russian Oil and West Bank Annexation

Sanctions on Russian Oil

• 💡 New U.S. sanctions against two Russian oil companies are a step in the right direction, but more action is needed.
• 🎯 Scorching sledgehammer sanctions should be imposed on purchasers of Russian oil and gas, including Brazil, China, India, and Hungary.
• 💰 These sanctions are crucial as oil and gas revenue is the monetary fuel for Putin's war machine.
• 🚀 The Graham Blumenthal sanctions bill is seen as what Putin will understand, as he only respects strength and force.

Essential Federal Workers Pay

• ✅ Strong support exists for paying military and other essential workers.
• ⚠️ A concern is an open-ended grant of power to the president to decide who is essential.
• ⚖️ Legislation should ensure everyone essential is paid without such broad presidential discretion.

West Bank Annexation

• ⚠️ Annexation of the West Bank by Israel is considered a very dangerous step.
• 🚫 It would be a significant impediment to Palestinian self-determination and a two-state solution.
• 🕊️ Annexation would also be a significant obstacle to peace and stability and the extension of the Abraham Accords.

Judicial Appointments

• ⚖️ Appointing three more judges to the DC Superior Court is important due to a shortage of judges.
• ⏳ Justice delayed is justice denied, and a shortage of judges leads to delays in considering cases.
• 🏛️ The three judges are seen as potentially meeting that shortage and are being seriously considered.