Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. Let me say before I close that Mr. Sanford was absolutely right in what he just said. The fact is that Ukraine, which was part of the Soviet Union, gave up its nuclear weapons when the Soviet Union collapsed. As a result, they were given assurances that they would not have aggression perpetrated against them; and, of course, like other promises made by Mr. Putin, that fell by the wayside. I agree with the gentleman from South Carolina. I think he is absolutely right on the money. I thank him for his remarks. Mr. Speaker, we have no shortage of crises smoldering around the world, but we cannot take our eye off what is happening in Ukraine and the threat that Russia poses. NATO is being tested. Western democracy is being called into question. The progress we have made since the cold war is at risk. Even if the administration is trying to work with Russia on other issues, we need to be clear-eyed when Vladimir Putin flouts international law and threatens the security of Europe. This bill would say plainly that no matter what happens in other parts of the world, if Russia continues to illegally occupy parts of Ukraine, Russia will pay a price. I am pleased that the House is acting on my bill. I want to again thank Chairman Royce for being a partner with me and helping with this bill. I ask that all Members support it. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.”