On the recordFebruary 27, 2023
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the free and independent nation of Ukraine. It has been over a year since Vladimir Putin ordered his tanks and troops into Ukraine. In the past year, the United States has led an extraordinary coalition of global partners to stand against Russia's unprovoked and brutal invasion of Ukraine. Mr. Speaker, I traveled to Ukraine with then-Vice President Al Gore in the 1990s as a staffer, and it fills my heart with pride to know that Kyiv still stands strong. Ukraine is still free, and democracy still prevails. Our support for Ukraine will not waver. I wish we didn't have to spend any money in Ukraine, but if Putin wins, we will spend a thousand times more trying to contain an emboldened and aggressive Russia. We must continue to stand with Ukraine in their fight for freedom and democracy. ____________________
