FACT BRIEF

Did a group of Republican Congress members spend the Fourth of July in Russia?

Thursday, March 3, 2022

By Austin Tannenbaum

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YES

In 2018, a group of Republican legislators made a visit to Russia that coincided with the Fourth of July. However, to imply this action was unpatriotic is a misrepresentation of the facts.

The group was on a diplomatic mission to warn Russia against meddling in the 2018 midterm election. The trip occurred a month before Trump and Putin were to meet to discuss Russian influence in the 2016 presidential election, among other topics.

One Senator from the group stated,

“We didn't come here to say, what you've been doing is great, and we're going to look the other way. We came here to talk candidly and honestly. The Russians can earn a better relationship with the U.S. if they want to.”

The group, comprised of seven senators and one House member, was the first congressional delegation to visit Russia since the country’s annexation of Crimea in 2014.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.

Sources

The Hill GOP senators visited Moscow on July 4, warned Russia against meddling in 2018 election: report

NPR GOP Congressmen Visit Moscow, Thaw Icy Relations Before Trump-Putin Talks

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