On the recordSeptember 7, 2016
It is clear that Vladimir Putin has no regard for his neighbor's sovereignty, and I think we should be doing more to push back against Russia's aggression. We also need to take every chance we get to make clear that his past bad behavior is not acceptable. Russia's illegal occupation, as we have said of Georgia, has gone on for too long. He has occupied other places as well: Moldova, Crimea, and Ukraine, which is part of Crimea. If we just let him do this, there will be no end in sight. The United States has to really be strong about this. I am glad we are sending this message today that we stand with the people of Georgia. We want to see their country made whole again, and we will never accept Russia's illegal claims. I am glad to support this measure. I urge my colleagues to do the same. Again, this is a bipartisan resolution because we all oppose aggression, and Abkhazia and South Ossetia should not be occupied. It should go back and be part of the rest of the country in a free and independent Georgia. I urge my colleagues to support this measure. I yield back the balance of my time.
