Republicans to Assume Congress Chairmanships Key in US-Russia Relations

WASHINGTON, January 6 (Sputnik) — US Republicans known for their anti-Moscow stand will be taking the chairmanship of US Senate committees, which are critical in shaping the future of US-Russia relations that have deteriorated amid the Ukrainian crisis.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will be chaired by Tennessee Republican Bob Corker. Corker was the leading co-sponsor of the Ukraine Freedom Support Act, which authorizes US President Barack Obama to arm Kiev and impose further sanctions on Russia over its alleged involvement in the Ukrainian conflict.

Corker was also one of the 22 co-sponsors of the Russian Aggression Act. The legislation calls on the United States to provide weapons to Kiev, which started a military operation against residents of Ukraine's south-east last year, accelerate the fortification of missile defenses in Europe, and authorizes the US president to impose further sanctions on Russia.

All US legislation having to do with sanctions, foreign aid and military sales to foreign governments is referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Taking over the Senate Armed Services Committee will be one of the most vocal critics of Moscow, Arizona Senator John McCain. Days before the passage of the Ukraine Freedom Support Act, McCain denounced the administration's lack of lethal military support to Kiev.

In late November statements to Sputnik, McCain emphasized that the new US Congress would pass resolutions and do everything in its power to censure Russia and provide weapons to Ukraine.

As the chairman of Senate Armed Services Committee, McCain will be providing direct oversight, as well as authorization for each branch of the US military. This includes oversight and legislation relevant to the provision of materials, weapons systems, deployment of forces, and US nuclear security.

The most influential position in the Republican-controlled 114th Congress, the Senate Majority Leader, is likely to be filled by the sponsor and co-sponsor of tough anti-Russia legislation — Kentucky Republican Mitch McConnell. As Majority Leader, McConnell will be responsible for setting the legislative agenda for the Senate as a whole, as well as maintaining oversight and contact with all committee chairmen.

McConnell voted to pass the Ukraine Freedom Support Act, co-sponsored the Russian Aggression Act, and was the sponsor of a law directing the US government to increase media propagation in Ukraine and Crimea, which voted to separate from Ukraine and reunited with Russia following an independence referendum held on the peninsula last year.

US Committee assignments have largely been planned for the Senate, which will convene on Tuesday, January 6, so that new members can be sworn into office.