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Congressman Cohen Introduces the America First Equipment and Information Act

March 18, 2025

Would prohibit arms sales and information sharing with the Russian Federation

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), the House Ranking Member of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, today introduced the America First Equipment and Information Act. The measure would prohibit arms sales, trades or loans of weapons to the Russian Federation, and would ban intelligence sharing.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“I was horrified by Trump’s and Vance’s treatment of President Zelensky during their recent disastrous press conference. Trump has shown clear deference for Putin since taking office. He has continually parroted Russian talking points, handicapped Ukraine’s war efforts by freezing Congressionally approved aid to Ukraine, and even allowed a correspondent for TASS, a Russian state media organization, into the Oval Office. Meanwhile, our true allies look askance as we abruptly appear to change sides in the conflict. This measure will prevent the wholesale sellout of Ukraine by making it clear whose side we’re on.”

In order to ensure the United States does not aid Russia in its attack on Ukraine or any other independent neighbors, the America First Equipment and Information Act prohibits the selling, loaning or trading of military equipment to the Russian Federation by prohibiting 

  • Foreign Military Financing to Russia 
  • Foreign Military Sales to Russia 
  • Presidential drawdown authority to Russia 
  • State Department’s removal of Russia from International Traffic in Arms Regulation 
  • Department of Commerce’s removal of export controls on Russia through the Bureau of Industry and Security  
  • Direct Commercial Sales to Russia, 
  • Information and intelligence sharing with Russia.   

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