117th Congress: Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.)

He’s the powerful chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, keeping a close eye on the Russian military buildup on the Ukrainian border. When Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) talks with Washington Post opinions writer Jonathan Capehart about possible sanctions the Senate may impose on Russia and how the Biden administration should respond to any Russian aggression.

Click here for transcript

Highlights

“This is a pipeline that Putin desperately wants. He has invested a lot of resources in making it happen. And the loss of it, should there be an invasion by Russia into Ukraine would be an enormous blow to him… It is an opportunity to make Putin think twice about any invasion… I had dinner with the German Chancellor last night and I am convinced… that he is in lockstep with the United States.” – Sen. Robert Menendez (Video: Washington Post Live)

“He reaffirmed that, in fact, he is tied closely to the United States in the West in the responses in terms of sanctions and other activities that Putin will face if, in fact, he invades Ukraine. He went to great lengths even when he was asked about Nord Stream to say that we are lockstep with President Biden, the United States and our Western allies.” – Sen. Robert Menendez (Video: Washington Post Live)

“When I got to ask my questions of the chancellor, I gave a little historical perspective of what my view of his party… [as] one in which it believed itself as the potential bridge itself as the potential bridge meaning Germany, between Russia and the West. And he rejected that view outright, strongly rejected it and said the there is no support in Germany for that view of us being the bridge, but we are committed to NATO. We are committed… to the West. We are committed to our alliance with the United States.” – Sen. Robert Menendez (Video: Washington Post Live)

“Russia has amassed the wherewithal for an invasion, whether in whole or in part…. All indications suggest that he can invade and would be ready to do so… however it doesn’t mean that he will invade.” – Sen. Robert Menendez (Video: Washington Post Live)

“I think the very essence of America why it stands out as a beacon to the rest of the world is that we feel free to speak about what we wish including when we see others violating the human rights of our fellow global citizens. And I certainly would respect the right of any Olympian to do that. And so, you know, I understand that it was out of an abundance of caution for our Olympians. By the same token, I think powerful statements that are made during the Olympics have a resonance across the globe… It is unconscionable that in the 21st century, we have concentration camps anywhere in the world. And what is happening to the Uighurs, ethnic Muslims in China, is outrageous, and needs the condemnation not just of the United States but of the rest of the world and should be sanctioned.” – Sen. Robert Menendez (Video: Washington Post Live)

Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.)

Provided by the office of Sen. Robert Menendez

He grew up the son of Cuban immigrants in a tenement building in Union City and has risen to become one of 100 United States Senators. He is currently the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and served as Ranking Member in the 116th Congress. He has earned a national reputation for his international leadership in the Senate, which pairs with his long-time reputation as a fighter for New Jersey families who puts their economic security ahead of powerful special interests.