On the recordSeptember 27, 2016
Today I rise to introduce a resolution encouraging United States' support for strengthening democratic institutions and anticorruption efforts in the Republic of Moldova. America and its allies are under renewed attack by an aggressive Russia that continues to employ Soviet-style political and economic warfare. Mr. Speaker, they are sewing discord and dissent whenever and wherever the opportunity presents itself. Without a doubt, Russia has set its sights on the front-line states of Eastern Europe. One such particularly vulnerable state is the Republic of Moldova. Moldova's strategic location between Russia and Ukraine makes its loyalty to the West increasingly significant. Also extremely problematic is the fact that Russia continues to violate borders and meddle in others' internal affairs. In 2014, nearly $1 billion, with a B, or 12 percent of Moldova's GDP was stolen from three major Moldovan Government banks. This banking scandal required the active involvement of a number of oligarchs and elected officials. Current members of the Moldovan Government recently exposed just how susceptible Moldova is to the Russian evil empire influence, as I call it. This ``crime of the century'' not only touches financial institutions, Mr. Speaker, that are the world over, but it also exemplifies a systematic pattern of the Russian bear's efforts to undermine the rule of law and empower local agents willing to do its bidding.…
