CREVE COEUR, Ill. – “Very serious.” That’s how Senator Dick Durbin describes the situation between Russia and Ukraine, as Russian troops continue to gather at Ukraine’s border.
While in Creve Coeur Tuesday, Durbin didn’t mince words about Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“We live in a dangerous world, and Vladimir Putin is a thug and a bully,” said Durbin. “He’s invaded Ukraine in the past, and seven or eight years ago took control of the Crimean province. Now, he continues to fight in eastern parts of Ukraine.”
Durbin claims the entire population of Ukraine is scared Putin will take over their country, but says he’s pleased with the Biden administration response.
“I think I’m very proud of the fact that our country is standing up for [Ukraine], and saying no one should do that to a sovereign and free nation. They should be able to decide their own future. It shouldn’t be decided by Moscow.
Durbin said he likes the idea of economic sanctions against Russia, but fears a military action may end up being necessary.
On another issue, Durbin doesn’t think members of Congress should be allowed to trade individual stocks, especially if those stocks might be impacted by particular legislation.
But, then again, Durbin thought that was already the rule.
“I thought we were prohibited from doing that before,” said Durbin. “Our investments are in mutual funds and electric transfer funds. I haven’t purchased anything else.”
Durbin says rule or not, if there is even the appearance of any particular conflict of interest, members of Congress should try to stay away from it.
But, he says, given the reach of some federal legislation, that can sometimes be impossible. Take what Durbin was in Creve Coeur for Tuesday as an example.
“I’m working today (Tuesday) on a lock and dam issue for Illinois,” said Durbin. “How many different companies and industries are associated with agriculture and shipping in the state of Illinois? And, how many of them that have stocks that are in mutual funds that I’m buying?”
Durbin says says he and his colleagues need to be as conscientious as they can be in trying to avoid problems like that.
Legislation in Congress would ban members from individual stock trading. Durbin admits he already thought they were banned.
