Rep. Jason Crow on "Face the Nation" Transcript

Concerns Over Visa Policies and U.S. Involvement in Ukraine

During an interview on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Colorado Democratic Congressman Jason Crow addressed several pressing issues, including concerns about visa policies involving individuals linked to Hamas and the United States' approach to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

When asked about allegations that the Trump administration had allowed visas for individuals connected to Hamas, Crow expressed concern but admitted he was not aware of such a situation. He emphasized the importance of preventing any group associated with terrorism from traveling freely. “If that’s happening, it should be stopped immediately,” he said. Crow noted that while the Intelligence Committee has a role in such matters, he had not been briefed on this specific information.

The Situation in Ukraine

The conversation then shifted to the conflict in Ukraine, where U.S. intelligence assessments suggest the battlefield is favoring Russia. Despite this, Crow pointed out that neither President Biden nor President Trump has committed troops, leading to questions about the need for negotiations. However, he argued that ending the conflict will require more than just talks. “What Vladimir Putin cares about is basically three things: economic pressure, political isolation, and military defeat,” Crow explained. He criticized the current administration for not applying enough pressure on these fronts, which he believes could have changed the course of the war.

Crow also reflected on past U.S. support for Ukraine. He acknowledged that previous administrations, including Obama's, were hesitant to provide offensive weapons. Under Biden, he felt there was a lack of urgency in delivering aid. “Had we done more, and done it faster, Ukraine would be in a different position today,” he said. He criticized the administration’s approach as being too passive, especially in light of recent events where U.S. officials appeared to show excessive deference to Russian leadership.

Security Guarantees and Sanctions

When asked about the possibility of providing a security guarantee similar to Article Five, Crow expressed reservations about sending troops on the ground. Instead, he suggested that the U.S. could offer intelligence, economic, and diplomatic support. One key area he highlighted was the seizure of Russian assets. “There’s over $150 billion of seized Russian assets, and the U.S. could lead a coalition to seize that money,” he said. Allocating these funds toward reconstruction and security could significantly bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities.

Crow also noted that previous administrations, including the last one, were reluctant to act on this issue. “That’s right,” he agreed, emphasizing the need for stronger action.

Immigration Policy and ICE Oversight

The discussion turned to immigration policy, particularly the Trump administration’s requirement for notice before visiting an immigration facility. Crow shared his experience visiting an ICE detention center in Aurora, Colorado, multiple times over the years. He criticized the current administration for increasing ICE’s budget to unprecedented levels, making it the largest federal law enforcement agency. He also raised concerns about efforts to limit oversight and transparency at these facilities.

“This is unacceptable,” he said, adding that his office had filed a lawsuit to ensure compliance with federal laws regarding access to these facilities. He stressed the importance of congressional oversight in ensuring accountability and transparency in how federal agencies operate.

Conclusion

Throughout the interview, Crow emphasized the need for decisive action in both foreign and domestic policy. From addressing potential security threats to supporting Ukraine and ensuring transparency in immigration enforcement, he called for a more proactive and principled approach from the U.S. government. His comments reflect a broader concern about the effectiveness of current policies and the urgent need for change.