On the recordMarch 17, 2022
During a Monday address to the Ukrainian people, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a direct appeal to soldiers of Russia, asking: ``. . . why should you die?'' Zelensky said: ``We hear what you really think about this senseless war . . .'' Then telling those who surrender: ``. . . we will treat you the way people are supposed to be treated'' and ``. . . not how you are being treated in your army.'' Today, Putin declared war on the Russian people. His call for self- cleansing is a repeat of the murderous Stalinists purges leading to Soviet Socialist nonpersons who disappeared. Today, I will be offering legislation for expedited refugee status to America for defecting members of the Duma, diplomatic personnel, and Russian Government officials. This reinforces the bipartisan legislation for Russian military defectors for expedited refugee status to America. The defectors who turn over equipment to Ukraine will receive up to $100,000. I also have a bill in Congress for a bust of President Zelenskyy to be placed in the U.S. Capitol. God bless Ukraine. God save Ukraine. Long live President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. ____________________
