Sheila Jackson Lee: “I thank the distinguished gentleman from New York (Mr. Espaillat) for yielding, and the distinguished gentleman from New…”

“I thank the distinguished gentleman from New York (Mr. Espaillat) for yielding, and the distinguished gentleman from New York (Mr. Meeks) for proposing this legislation, along with his colleagues, Mr. Kinzinger and all the Members who are supporting H.R. 8259 that deals with the admission of Russia into the G7. The reason I think this is crucial legislation that I would hope that we would move swiftly to the United States Senate, the other body, and move swiftly for a signature, ultimately, of the President of the United States, is because this is a move that seems afoot with little consultation of the other members of the G7. Anyone listening to this, the American people, might be reminded that Russia fought against the Nazis. One might say they were on the good side in World War II. There have been moments where we have been able to collaborate with Russia on important issues relevant to all of us, Europe and beyond. But it certainly is disappointing under the leadership of their present head of government that they have seemingly sought not only to quash dissent but to kill dissent. Just a few minutes ago, we heard of the poisoning of one of the largest dissenters in Russia. It has happened before. It will happen again. Is the G7 an organization that coddles and comforts those who would poison dissent or undermine dissent?…”