The publication is reproduced in full below:
SUPPORTING THE PEOPLE OF UKRAINE
______
speech of
HON. NANCY PELOSI
of california
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, March 2, 2022
Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, since Russia launched its unprovoked, premediated war, the world has been awed by the extraordinary courage and resolve of the Ukrainian people, who--as we speak--are fighting against great odds to defend their sovereignty, their country's territorial integrity and their lives.
Their resilience is an inspiration. Their iron will is nothing short of heroic. And their determination to save their democracy is a beacon to which the world has rallied.
But as they fight, Ukrainians face a situation of severe violence and chaos unleashed by Putin. Congress remains extremely concerned about reports of potentially thousands of Ukrainian civilian casualties, including children. And we are concerned about the humanitarian situation facing the nearly 1 million Ukrainians who have been forced to flee their country.
During this time of suffering for the Ukrainian people, America and the world must be there for them: without delay or reservation.
Led by President Biden and our allies, the international community has come together with historic strength and coordination to hold Russia accountable and to support Ukraine.
President Biden prepared or this moment: for months, calling out Putin and countering his lies, building a coalition of freedom-loving countries, and making clear that we stand with Ukraine.
Indeed, instead of dividing the U.S. from its partners, Putin's actions have united the world, further isolated Russia and strengthened NATO.
Now, with our partners, we are imposing costs on Russia for its lethal aggression that will leave it diminished on the world stage and weakened in every way: economically, diplomatically, and strategically.
Our actions include powerful economic sanctions, cutting off Russia's banks, hamstringing its Central Bank, choking off its access to technology, going after the oligarchs that fund war, and much more.
And we are continuing to fully support the people of Ukraine--with America delivering over $1 billion in direct security assistance over the last year alone. With our allies, we will continue to provide security assistance, humanitarian and economic assistance, and bolster NATO.
Today, with this resolution, Congress is sending a further message to Ukraine and the world of our unwavering support for Ukraine, as we:
Demand an immediate withdrawal of Russian forces and end to their violence;
Support, unequivocally, Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity; and
Reaffirm our commitment to further action to support Ukraine and to isolate Russia, together with our partners and NATO allies.
As the resolution states, Congress ``stands steadfastly, staunchly, proudly, and fervently behind the Ukrainian people in their fight against the authoritarian Putin regime.''
I thank Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Gregory Meeks, and the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, particularly Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, who has been a champion for Ukraine in the Congress for decades. I also thank Congresswoman Victoria Spartz (born and raised in Ukraine).
As President Biden said in his State of the Union Address yesterday evening: ``When the history of this era is written, Putin's war on Ukraine will have left Russia weaker and the rest of the world stronger.
``In the battle between democracy and autocracy, democracies are rising to the moment, and the world is clearly choosing the side of peace and security.
``Putin may circle Kyiv with tanks, but he will never gain the hearts and souls of the Ukrainian people. He will never extinguish their love of freedom. He will never weaken the resolve of the free world.''
As we pray for the people of Ukraine, we remain resolute in our commitment to action to hold Putin accountable and to supporting democracy, peace, and security in the region and around the world.
I urge a strong bipartisan vote for this resolution to support Ukraine as its people fight for peace, freedom and the future of their nation.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 39
The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
House Representatives' salaries are historically higher than the median US income.
Alerts Sign-up