George Holding: “I would like to first thank Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel for their leadership on this issue in the Foreign…”

“I would like to first thank Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel for their leadership on this issue in the Foreign Affairs Committee. The situation in Ukraine continues to be grim. Now is the time to support those who strive for democracy. Included in H. Res. 499 is an amendment I offered in committee to strengthen the language expressing the support of the House to work with our partners in the Ukraine to improve transparency, combat corruption, and protect individual rights through an independent judiciary and strong rule of law. This resolution, Mr. Speaker, is an important first step, but there is more we must do to address Russia's violation of Ukraine's sovereignty. I hope to work with the chairman and the ranking member to quickly pass a strong package of sanctions that targets those responsible for the invasion of Crimea and lets Russia know that annexation of Crimea or any part of Ukraine is not an option. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.”