WASHINGTON — Lawmakers from both sides of the political divide have united to condemn the president Vladimir Putin for The death of Alexei Navalny Friday and pay tribute to Russia’s most prominent opposition figure.
Democratic and Republican lawmakers in both the Senate and the House of Representatives were quick to blame the Russian leader and his government for his death, although Navalny’s own team has not confirmed his death.
There was a leading condemnation President Joe Biden, said in his speech at the White House that Putin is guilty. “We don’t know exactly what happened, but there is no doubt that Nalwani’s death was the result of such an event. Putin and his thugs did,” Biden said.
Some of the other legislators who paid their respects.
Senators
Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Mark Warner, D-Va., wrote in X: “Alexei Navalny’s death is yet another heartbreaking reminder of who Vladimir Putin is: a bloodthirsty tyrant who thinks he can get away with anything. This is another reason why we continue to fight for freedom against Putin’s brutality.”
Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., said in X: “Putin’s regime is absolutely evil. “Putin’s relatives killed Alexei Navalny for his courage to defend freedom.”
Sen. Thom Tillis, RN.C., wrote in X: “Navalny sacrificed his life fighting for the freedom of his beloved country. Putin is a murderous, paranoid dictator. History will not be kind to Putin apologists and praisers of Russian autocracy in America. History will not be kind to American leaders who remain silent because they are afraid of the reaction of online pundits.”
In an article at the German Munich Security Conference X, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin, D-Ill. “With the tragic death of Alexei Navalny in prison, more blood has been spilled on Putin’s hands, all for the “crime” of wanting a free Russia. Why do Trump and his aides in Congress want to further appease this Russian tyrant?”
Also at the conference were Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, DR.I. attended, he said in X: “At the Munich Security Conference, the mood is bad after the news that Alexei Navalny died in prison in Russia.”
Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said in an op-ed in X: “Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny died behind bars in Russia, he says you should know Putin’s Russia, I pray for his wife, children and other political prisoners like Kara-Murza.”
Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, wrote in X: “Make no mistake, Putin excludes the opposition because he is afraid of the opposition. Alexei Navalny spoke about freedom. In Navalny’s death, Putin immortalized one of his fiercest critics.”
Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jack Reed, DR.I., wrote in the X: “Alexey Navalny stood against tyranny. He died a hero to the Russian people and an enemy of the corrupt Kremlin kleptocrats he systematically exposed. Our thoughts are with Mr. Navalny’s family and the Russian people.”
Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., said in a statement: “When I hear the news about the death of Alexei Navalny, my heart hurts. His death is a blow not only to those who care about the freedom of Russian citizens, but to those who care about freedom and democracy everywhere. His choice to return to Russia – even after the assassination attempt – was inspiring.
Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., said in X: “I was sad when I saw the news about the death of Alexei Navalny. He was a tireless fighter for freedom and democracy in Russia. His death reminds us of the true essence of Putin’s regime.”
Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., said in X: “House members blocking critical aid to Ukraine can enjoy another high-five for Putin, who killed his most vocal and visible critic.”
Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., wrote in X. “Alexei Navalny stood up to Putin and his Russian friends, and he died heroically for freedom. All Americans should be clear about Putin’s ambitions. We must make an effort to turn Putin into an outsider on a global scale.”
Chamber representatives
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, R-Texas, said in a statement: “If confirmed, the death of Alexei Navalny is a tragedy. He was a voice for a better Russia amid the corruption and brutality of Putin’s genocidal regime. The Kremlin must account for this anger.”
House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner, R-Ohio, said in a statement: “Alexei Navalny had the courage to stand against Vladimir Putin. He was unjustly imprisoned and died in captivity. I offer my deepest condolences to Navalny’s family.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said in X: “Vladimir Putin has a long history of killing political opponents and silencing dissent. He is the enemy of freedom and the American people.”
House Minority Whip Katherine Clark, D-Mass., said in X: “My thoughts are with the family of Alexei Navalny. My heart goes out to every patriot who dares to defend democracy. Now is not the time for us to withdraw our support for Ukraine. We must stand by our ally in the struggle for the liberation of Putin from his tyranny.”