VIDEO: Sen. Menendez to Tillerson: “put patriotism over profit” and support robust sanctions against Russia

VIDEO: Sen. Menendez to Tillerson: “put patriotism over profit” and support robust sanctions against Russia

In response to Tillerson’s admission that he has not discussed Russia policy with President-elect, Menendez replied “That’s pretty amazing.”

 
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, questioned Secretary of State nominee Rex Tillerson today on Russia policy, international human rights, Exxon’s role in lobbying against sanctions, and the difference between diplomacy and deal-making.

"Sanctions are not about disadvantaging American businesses,” Menendez said. “It's about putting patriotism over profit. Diplomacy is not the same as deal-making. Diplomacy requires getting other countries to do things they may not necessarily want to do, and there isn't necessarily something to trade for it."

“I have never lobbied against sanctions personally,” Tillerson said. “To my knowledge, Exxon never lobbied directly against sanctions.”

Senator Menendez will be questioning Tillerson again during the second round of questioning later today. It will be live streamed here.

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