On the recordDecember 3, 2014
I thank our esteemed chairman, Mr. Royce of California, as well as Mr. Kinzinger, the author of this resolution, for bringing forth this timely resolution before us. By approving this resolution, Mr. Speaker, the House will send Vladimir Putin a clear and unmistakable message, one aimed not only at him, but at all of those in other countries who are tempted to use aggression and invasion to achieve their objectives. There is more at stake here than simply defending Ukraine's independence and sovereignty, although that is our primary goal. The message is that the United States will not simply stand by and silently watch the world ascend into anarchy nor allow aggressors to accomplish their goals by force and coercion. By demonstrating to Putin that his aggressive actions will only result in unacceptable costs to him and his regime, we can prevent others from concluding that we and our allies will do nothing to stop them and that they are free to impose the law of the jungle once again. I yield back the balance of my time.
