On the recordJune 23, 2022
For 126 days now, Brittney Griner has been wrongfully detained by Russia. Every single day that goes by is a lifetime for her wife, Cherelle, her family, friends, and teammates on the Phoenix Mercury. As mayor of Phoenix, I was so lucky to watch her develop and grow as a professional athlete and also as a respected leader in the Phoenix community. One of the best basketball players of our generation, she has won gold medals representing the United States twice at the Olympic Games. Like many WNBA players, she needed to supplement her income by playing professional basketball in Russia, and she was proud to do so. But, now, Brittney finds herself a prisoner of the Russian Government. Her legal hearings continue to be delayed without good reason. It is unacceptable. It is time for the House to speak with one unified voice and call for Brittney's safe return and to show support for every American wrongfully detained in Russia. ____________________
