Political Quotes

“Mr. Chair, I fully support Ukraine in its existential fight for freedom and democracy. I have also spent years in this Chamber addressing the issue of civilian casualties. In fact, I am one of the founding co-chairs of the Protection of Civilians in Conflict Caucus. Why? Because I spent the formative years of my life in Afghanistan seeing the horrific results of war, including cluster munitions. However, there are times in this Chamber when a measure doesn't do what we think it does, when it, in fact, does the opposite. This measure will not stop the use of clusters in Ukraine. I have written to the administration. I have asked for clarity. I have asked for assurances and mitigation measures, and I will continue to do that. What this measure will do is play right into pro-Russian and pro- Putin propaganda. It will be twisted and contorted by nefarious actors who say that America doesn't support Ukraine and that Democrats don't support Ukraine. That is not where we need to be because that is the history of this bill. That is the history of many of those who are supporting this bill and who have originated this bill. That is the context from which this bill originates. That is not where progressive, pro-Ukrainian Members should be. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to oppose this measure vociferously.”