Political Quotes

“The International Olympic Committee has banned Russia from the 2018 Winter Olympics due to rampant and state- backed doping. The Olympic Committee says that Russia's scale of cheating is unprecedented. Unfortunately, this is yet another example that the enemy of democracy knows no limits under the Putin regime. Russia's Government and its corruption--some say depravity--is so pervasive that it even tarnishes the dignified and ancient tradition of the Olympic Games. Russia dishonors athletes around the world who make countless sacrifices and give their blood, sweat, and tears to compete. While this decision rightly penalizes Russia, Russia is looking ahead to host the 2018 World Cup in soccer. Putin will relish this global platform to spew out his propaganda to the world while thousands of Ukrainians are killed and millions more throughout central Europe are stifled under his repressive thumb. The global community must be on alert. We must stand for liberty. We must counter Russia's corruption, interference, and aggression in all its forms. As the 2018 World Cup nears, I call upon the international community to choose again an honorable field on which the world's athletes can compete. Mr. Speaker, I include in today's Record a news article from The New York Times dated December 5, 2017, titled ``Russia Banned from Winter Olympics by IOC.'' ____________________”