Brandon Williams: “I am equally honored to stand here with the gentleman and fellow veteran, Mr. Mast, as well as my New York colleague…”

“I am equally honored to stand here with the gentleman and fellow veteran, Mr. Mast, as well as my New York colleague, Mr. Meeks. Mr. Speaker, America has always stood up to bullies. I am a veteran of the Cold War. For half a century, our Nation stood against the tyranny of the Soviet Union. I volunteered to serve in the Navy, making six strategic deterrent patrols in the Pacific aboard a nuclear submarine. The mission was clear: to project strength, to stand ready to defend our Nation and our allies, and to deter the aggression of our enemies. Today, we are reminded what happens if American leaders fail in that mission. The Russian military, emboldened by their invasion of Ukraine, making veiled threats of nuclear escalation, suppressing the voices even of their own people, they have deliberately provoked this Nation-- you and me. On March 14, 2023, one of our MQ-9 Reaper drones, flying safely in international airspace and in accordance with international law, was attacked by two Russian Su-27 fighter jets. These lawless pilots dumped their fuel, hitting our aircraft in mid- flight, forcing an American reconnaissance asset to ditch in international waters. I remain shocked not only at the unprofessional and reckless nature of the Russian pilots, but also of the Russian Government's accolades and awards that it heaped upon them. Mr. Speaker, I am reminded from my naval service that the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing.…”