Murkowski cosponsors Senate resolution backing Russian democracy advocates

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen introduced Senate Resolution 855 Wednesday. It declares U.S. support for Russian democratic actors to be in the national interest. Sen. Lisa Murkowski signed on as a cosponsor. The Senate Committee on Foreign Relations received the measure the same day. No floor action has followed.

The resolution commends Russian civil society and independent media for exposing crimes committed by Vladimir Putin's government and for pursuing accountability. Five senators cosponsored it: Murkowski, Roger Wicker, Susan Collins, Tim Kaine and Thom Tillis. Congress addressed the issue before, through the Russian Democracy Act of 2002. On Aug. 7, the Senate passed a Russia sanctions bill 86-11, with both Alaska senators voting in favor.

Russian law labels more than 350 foreign and international groups "undesirable." Individuals who take part in or assist their work face up to six years in prison. The Royal United Services Institute warns that foreign backing can raise risks for activists. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov calls such U.S. support interference.