On the recordMay 11, 2016
As the world leader in freedom and democracy, it is in our national interest to see the same freedoms we enjoy spread to people throughout the world. The Republic of Georgia is a small and young democracy in an area that is more known for its authoritarian rule than freedom. Georgia formally declared its independence in 1918, but 4 years later, the Soviet bear invaded and declared Georgia a Soviet Socialist Republic. But the Georgian people are resilient, and with the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, Georgia again declared its independence from Russia. Over the past 25 years, Georgia has become the freest country in its region. It sets up a stark contrast to the dictatorship of Putin in the north. However, the Russians never gave up on their ambitions to control Georgia. I was in Georgia in 2008 when Russian troops invaded and took one- third of Georgia. I saw the Russian tanks up on the hill. And, Mr. Speaker, the Russians still illegally occupy one-third of the nation of Georgia. The Russians want to impose tyranny upon Georgia precisely because of Georgia's quest for democracy and liberty. Georgia has made good governance a cornerstone of its reforms, grown the economy, and made significant progress toward creating a democratic society. The world witnessed Georgia's first peaceful democratic transition of power from one party to another in 2013, and it has improved media freedom for 4 consecutive years, according to Reporters Without Borders.…
