Harry Reid Blames GOP for Russia’s Annexation of Crimea

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says Republicans may have helped Russia annex Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula.

The surprising accusation came ahead of a Monday test vote on a Russia sanctions and Ukraine aid bill that Republicans blocked before Congress left for recess two weeks ago.

Since, Crimea seceded and Russian lawmakers annexed the territory.

Reid said, "It's impossible to know whether events would have unfolded differently if the United States had responded to Russian aggression with a strong, unified voice."

The Nevada Democrat said blocking the bill "sent a dangerous message to Russian leaders."

GOP Senate aides note the House has passed different legislation, meaning the Senate bill could not have become law before recess anyhow. And they blame Reid and Democrats for blocking the Senate from taking up the House legislation.