Texas Lawmakers Call for Action in Wake of Navalny's Death

Several Texas Lawmakers called for action after Alexei Navalny died in a Russian prison, presumably at the hands of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.

Many critics of Putin around the world have blamed him for Navalny’s death. Navalny was steadily outspoken against Putin and his regime. The Putin critic and political opponent sought asylum with various countries before returning to Russia, where he would eventually be arrested on charges he denied. Navalny was given a 19-year sentence, but he, along with many others, believed that it was a life sentence.

Recently, several lawmakers met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, another outspoken critic of Putin. Texas Representative Veronica Escobar (D) called for the U.S. to support Ukraine and stand against Putin.

“Less than a day after the death of Alexei Navalny at the hands of Putin and the fall of the Ukrainian village of Avdiivka, meeting with @ZelenskyyUa was inspiring and moving. @SpeakerJohnson must understand that the world is watching and counting on us,” said Rep. Escobar.

“‘The best path forward to support Ukraine’” is to bring the national security supplemental to the floor immediately. @SpeakerJohnson must get serious about standing with our allies and against dictators like Putin,” stated the congresswoman.

Texas Representative Dan Crenshaw (R) tore into the Russian dictator and reminded people of Putin’s history of removing political opponents. Crenshaw also took shots at some controversial figures who have celebrated Russia.

“Alexei Navalny has just died in a Russian prison — joining a long line of Putin opponents and critics to meet “mysterious” ends. He was imprisoned after forming the most effective political movement against Putin and exposing the corruption in his inner circle. While some people praise Russia as a so-called “paradise”, this is the reality. If you go against Putin, you’re punished. Navalny’s wife is a brave woman speaking out against his brutal regime,” said Rep. Crenshaw.

Navalny’s wife, Yulia Navalnaya, stated that she wasn’t sure whether she should believe the Russian government given their long history of lying.

“But if this is true, I want Putin and everyone around Putin, Putin’s friends, his government, to know that they will bear responsibility for what they did to our country, to my family and to my husband. And this day will come very soon,” stated Navalnaya.