Press Releases

(As prepared for delivery)

M/ Speaker, I rise today with great sorrow as the Ukrainian people continue to endure Russia’s brutal invasion. 

We’ve all seen the heartbreaking footage of this war’s innocent victims. We’ve heard the harrowing stories of families who have been torn apart. And we’ve watched with admiration as the Ukrainian people have courageously defended their homeland. 

This unprovoked, unjustified invasion is a horrific stain on humanity. 

Today, we in Congress will firmly condemn Putin’s aggression with the legislation before us.  

Inaction simply is not an option. 

I am proud that the Ways and Means Committee led the development of this package.

The Russian regime relies on energy sales to fund its offensive. This bill will cut off some of that revenue with a ban on the import of Russian oil and energy products into the United States. The more economic pain we inflict on Putin, the more pressure he will feel to finally end this campaign of terror on the Ukrainian people. 

The legislation also takes steps to review Russia’s participation in the World Trade Organization. Membership in the WTO is a privilege that comes with responsibilities, and bad actors who destabilize global security should not enjoy the economic benefits of belonging to that body. 

Broad bipartisan support exists in Congress for these meaningful actions to hold Putin accountable and support the Ukrainian people. With this legislation, we reaffirm our commitment to peace and to democracy.

I urge all of my colleagues to support this consequential legislation and I look forward to its swift passage into law.

I reserve the balance of my time. 

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