On the Monday edition of Lubbock's First News, Congressman Randy Neugebauer spoke with Tom and Laura about Russia, transportation events, and Congressional focus.

Neugebauer responded to questions about how the U.S. is responding to Russian unrest and Putin's actions. He suggested the use of economic sanctions on Putin and friends may be an attempt to put pressure on the Russian economy while it is not doing well. However, Neugebauer said, "My personal opinion is that the more you box Putin in, I think the more radical he gets." Instead, he proposed sending a United Nations peace keeping group to Russia, not to fight a territorial war, but to restore law and order by addressing the pro-Russian protestors who are creating unrest in the country.

Neugebauer also gave an overview of the transportation events attended across the region last week. He began in the Abilene area to cut the ribbon new flight simulator at the Dyess Air Force Base, met with the Texas Transportation Commission in town, who recognized local commissioner Fred Underwood, and saw the addition of a Big Spring truck relief route to the Ports-to-Plains Corridor.

Finally, Neugebauer noted existing and predicted Congressional efforts. He observed that Democrats in the Senate are focusing on attempts to increase the minimum wage and employment benefits, but are having difficulty getting cooperation from Republicans. He said that the immigration issue has come back to focus: there is currently a bipartisan group that is making attempts to resurrect a bipartisan immigration bill before November. Regarding the Affordable Care Act, Neugebauer said Republicans have sent multiple bills to the Senate, but have gotten no response, and now that the policy has been implemented, they are monitoring complaints.

Listen to the full interview:

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