Legislation Regarding Ukraine

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise today express my strong support for today's pending legislation on Ukraine.

These two important pieces of legislation are similar in many respects to the Ukraine Support Act, which was adopted by the House with overwhelming bipartisan support last week. These measures will provide much-needed assistance to the government and people of Ukraine in the wake of Russia's illegal invasion and occupation of Crimea. They complement IMF efforts to restore the health of Ukraine's economy. They will support free and fair presidential elections in May, and they will expand funding for efforts to fight corruption and strengthen democratic institutions, the rule of law, and civil society in Ukraine. Just as importantly, the legislation condemns Russia's illegal invasion and occupation of Crimea and provides for additional sanctions if President Putin does not reverse course. With Russian forces now consolidating their control of Crimea and with tens of thousands of additional Russian troops threateningly massed on Ukraine's eastern border, we must remain resolute in calling on Russia to withdraw its troops and to engage in constructive dialogue with the Ukrainian government. In addition, any diplomatic effort to resolve the crisis must include the full participation of Ukrainian government representatives. Continued Russian refusal to meet these basic conditions must be met with additional sanctions.

Mr. Speaker, I commend colleagues from both sides of the aisle and from both Houses, and in particular Chairman ROYCE and Ranking Member ENGEL, who have worked so quickly to pass legislation that reaffirms the United States' longstanding support for the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine. These measures send a clear signal to the people of Ukraine and other countries in the region that we will continue to support the principle that countries must be free to choose their own paths, free from outside pressure.

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