Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, Committee on Foreign Affairs Chairman Engel, for his comments, and I thank him for his effort to make this amendment better. This amendment includes all the Foreign Affairs Committee's edits, and it is through his leadership they were able to be tailored to the right targets. Sanctions are a tough thing to do and to get right. For sanctions to work, they need to bite. These do, but in a tailored, discrete way, thanks to the cooperation of the Foreign Relations Committee, the Financial Services Committee, and the minority. Additionally, I would like to point out something else. This amendment expands the list of activities that can be sanctioned, from pipe laying to pipeline activities. A wider set of sanctions are needed for Moscow to finish its power grab. These include site prep, trenching, surveying, placing rocks, stringing, bending, et cetera. I was actually surprised when I first heard how many activities were still allowed under the sanctions we passed in December. Lastly, I also want to thank the chairman for his tireless work to push back on the Russians in defense of our allies and to also thank him for his lifelong work and dedication to this Congress. This is critical work, and I look forward to continuing to work with him in that effort. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.”