New bragging rights in Congress? Being sanctioned by Russia
Several U.S. lawmakers are claiming bragging rights after being sanctioned by the Russian government on Thursday.
The U.S. expanded targeted sanctions against the senior Russian government officials on Thursday to protest Russia's annexation of the Crimean peninsula. Also on Thursday, Russia levied its own travel bans and sanctions against several U.S. lawmakers and administration officials.
If the lawmakers were frustrated by Russia's action, though, they certainly didn't show it.
"Proud to be included on a list of those willing to stand against Putin's aggression," tweeted House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio.
"While I'm disappointed that I won't be able to go on vacation with my family in Siberia this summer, I am honored to be on this list," tweeted Sen. Dan Coats, R-Ind.
"I'm proud to be sanctioned by Putin - I'll never cease my efforts & dedication to freedom & independence of #Ukraine, which includes #Crimea," McCain tweeted. In a later post, McCain turned up the snark:
I guess this means my spring break in Siberia is off, Gazprom stock is lost & secret bank account in Moscow is frozen http://t.co/TgwZneD4HY
— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) March 20, 2014
Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., wrote, "If standing up for #democracy & sovereignty in #Ukraine means I'm #SanctionedByPutin, I'll take it."
And Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., tweeted, "Being sanctioned by President Putin is a badge of honor. #SanctionedByPutin."
Landrieu, who's facing a tough reelection fight in 2014, even received a complimentary shout-out from Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.:
President Putin, it's one thing to pick on me, but I wouldn't mess with Mary. @SenLandrieu #SanctionedByPutin
— Senator Harry Reid (@SenatorReid) March 20, 2014