Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the STAND for Ukraine Act. I'd like to thank my good friend and colleague Mr. Engel for introducing this legislation, which aims to solidify U.S. support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, under assault by the Russian government since 2014. Last weekend Russian-occupied Crimea took part in Russia's parliamentary elections for the first time since Russia took over the peninsula in 2014. In the judgment of OSCE election observers, the elections took place in an environment marked by ``restrictions to fundamental freedoms and political rights, firmly controlled media and a tightening grip on civil society. . . .'' In timely response, this legislation solidifies the U.S. commitment to the territorial integrity of Ukraine. The administration has applied various sanctions to Russia. In its leading provisions, this bill will give the sanctions created by executive orders the permanence of statutory law--until Ukraine's sovereignty over Crimea is fully restored. These sanctions relate to blocking property of certain persons contributing to the situation in Ukraine. In addition, the bill provides that no federal agency shall take any action or extend any assistance that recognizes Russian sovereignty over Crimea. Mr.…”