The US Congress introduced a bill to expand the dialogue with Russia

A bill has been submitted to the US Congress proposing simplification of visa formalities for Russian students and participants in exchange programs. It also provides for regular meetings of the heads of the foreign ministry and the defense ministry of the two countries.

Photo: depositphotos.com

Congressman Democrat Adriano Espayat introduced for consideration by the Chamber of the bill on the "provision of measures to strengthen the dialogue with the Russian people and the support of Russian civil society." The text of the bill is published on the congress website, reports RBC.

The bill presented by Espayat contains three main blocks. The first of these is devoted to strengthening the dialogue between the United States and the “Russian people.” As measures to implement this idea, the congressman proposes to explore the possibilities for simplifying the obtaining of American visas by Russian students and citizens participating in exchange programs, both professional and cultural. At the same time, Espayat calls for tougher control over the issuance of visas for politicians and oligarchs close to the Kremlin, as well as for those who “promote the policy of repression of Vladimir Putin” (quoted in the text of the document).

Espayata's proposals, moreover, affect the diplomatic and military spheres. In accordance with the provisions of the bill, 90 days after its approval, the head of the Pentagon, with the support of the state secretary, should present a plan to Congress how he is going to strengthen strategic stability with Russia. Bill Espayat also obliges the heads of the State Department and the Ministry of Defense to hold annual meetings with Russian colleagues (in the format of "2 + 2").

Adriano Espayat. Photo: YouTube / MSNBC screenshot

The second block of the congressman’s bill concerns the support of Russian civil society. In this context, Espayat proposes to convene a meeting of the heads of the leading US IT companies, helping Russia to install equipment that helps the authorities to exercise censorship and pressure on "public activists". At this meeting, rules should be established aimed at prohibiting such activities to the detriment of civil society, the legislator urges. He also proposes to spend $ 10 million to promote "independent information" in the Russian-language segment of the media.

Finally, the third block of the draft law includes a set of measures aimed at informing the public about “Russian illegal actions”. Espayat, in particular, proposes to publish a list of persons and organizations in Russia who promote the employment or transportation of fighters to the Donbas or Syria.

In March, 2017, Espayat announced the organization by President Vladimir Putin of Russia to intervene in the US presidential election and called for an independent investigation. The corresponding appeal was signed by the parliamentarian among more than 20 congressmen of the USA.

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