On the recordApril 28, 2015
Since July of last year, Nadiya Savchenko, a member of the Ukrainian parliament and a military veteran, has been unlawfully detained by Russian authorities--her crime, unsubstantiated charges stemming from her defense of her nation against Russian military aggression. For months, Ms. Savchenko has been incarcerated in Russia, in clear violation of her human rights and international standards. As Russia tries to redraw the world's borders, Ms. Savchenko has become the face of both Russian lawlessness and Ukrainian resistance. This evening, I join with the free people of Ukraine in demanding Russia free Savchenko and call on this body and this administration to utilize all legislative and diplomatic means to secure her long-overdue release. That is why I have joined with other lawmakers in introducing H. Res. 50, which calls for an end to this injustice and reaffirms the United States' commitment to a democratic Ukraine free from Russian interference. Together, we must free Savchenko and push back against Russia's continued threat to freedom. ____________________
