MUNICH — A senior U.S. Republican senator on Sunday urged President Donald Trump to take action against Russia over allegations that Moscow interfered in the election that brought him to power.
U.S. intelligence officials have told Trump that Moscow tried to influence voters by hacking Democratic emails and trolling social media sites, but Trump has sought to downplay Russia's role in the election.
Speaking to world leaders, diplomats and defense officials at the Munich Security Conference, South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham said Congress needs to get involved to ensure there are "consequences" for the alleged hacking.
"2017 is going to be a year of kicking Russia in the ass in Congress," Graham said.
Referring to upcoming elections in France and Germany this year and concerns of outside interference, Graham said "I promise everybody in this room that Congress is going to take a long hard look what Russia did to undermine our elections, so you'll be better prepared when they come your way."
He said he planned to introduce a bipartisan motion for new Russia sanctions and it will get "north of 75 votes."
"My goal is to put it on Trump's desk and I hope he'll embrace the idea that as the leader of the free world he should be working with us to punish Russia," Graham said. (AP)