[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 5 (Tuesday, January 25, 2005)]
[House]
[Pages H145-H149]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING PEOPLE OF UKRAINE FOR DEMOCRATIC, TRANSPARENT AND FAIR 
                      RUNOFF PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

  Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 16) congratulating the people of 
Ukraine for conducting a democratic, transparent, and fair runoff 
Presidential election on December 26, 2004, and congratulating Victor 
Yushchenko on his election as President of Ukraine and his commitment 
to democracy and reform, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 16

       Whereas the establishment of a democratic, transparent, and 
     fair election process for the 2004 presidential election in 
     Ukraine and of a genuinely democratic political system have 
     been prerequisites for that country's full integration into 
     the international community of democracies;
       Whereas the Government of Ukraine has accepted numerous 
     specific commitments governing the conduct of elections as a 
     participating State of the Organization for Security and 
     Cooperation in Europe (OSCE);
       Whereas the election of Ukraine's next president was seen 
     as an unambiguous test of the extent of the Ukrainian 
     authorities' commitment to implement these standards and 
     build a democratic society based on free elections and the 
     rule of law;
       Whereas a genuinely free and fair election requires 
     government and public authorities to ensure that candidates 
     and political parties enjoy equal treatment before the law 
     and that government resources are not employed to the 
     advantage of individual candidates or political parties;
       Whereas a genuinely free and fair election requires the 
     full transparency of laws and regulations governing 
     elections, multiparty representation on election commissions, 
     and unobstructed access by candidates, political parties, and 
     domestic and international observers to all election 
     procedures, including voting and vote-counting in all areas 
     of the country;
       Whereas efforts by national and local officials and others 
     acting at the behest of such officials to impose obstacles to 
     free assembly, free speech, and a free and fair political 
     campaign took place throughout Ukraine during the entire 2004 
     presidential election campaign without condemnation or 
     remedial action by the Government of Ukraine;
       Whereas on October 31, 2004, Ukraine held the first round 
     of its presidential election and on November 21, 2004, 
     Ukraine held a runoff presidential election between the two 
     leading candidates, Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich and 
     opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko;
       Whereas a consensus of Ukrainian and international election 
     observers determined that the runoff election did not meet a 
     considerable number of international standards for democratic 
     elections, and these observers specifically declared that 
     state resources were abused in support of Viktor Yanukovich, 
     and that illegal voting by absentee ballot, multiple voting, 
     assaults on electoral observers and journalists, and the use 
     of counterfeit ballots were widespread;
       Whereas following the runoff presidential election on 
     November 21, 2004, tens of thousands of Ukrainian citizens 
     engaged in peaceful demonstrations in Kiev and elsewhere to 
     protest the unfair election and the declaration by the 
     Ukrainian Central Election Commission that Viktor Yanukovich 
     had won a majority of the votes;
       Whereas the Ukrainian Supreme Court blocked the publication 
     of the official runoff election results thus preventing the 
     inauguration of the next president of Ukraine until the 
     Supreme Court examined the reports of voter fraud;
       Whereas on November 27, 2004, the Parliament of Ukraine 
     passed a resolution declaring that there were violations of 
     law during the runoff presidential election on November 21, 
     2004, and that the results of this election did not reflect 
     the will of the Ukrainian people;
       Whereas on December 1, 2004, the Parliament of Ukraine 
     passed a no confidence motion regarding the government of 
     Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich;
       Whereas European mediators and current Ukrainian President 
     Leonid Kuchma began discussions on December 1, 2004, to 
     attempt to work out a resolution to the standoff between the 
     supporters of both presidential candidates;
       Whereas on December 3, 2004, the Ukrainian Supreme Court 
     ruled that the runoff presidential election on November 21, 
     2004, was invalid and ordered a new presidential election to 
     take place on December 26, 2004;
       Whereas on December 8, 2004, the Parliament of Ukraine 
     passed laws to reform the Ukrainian electoral process, 
     including to reconstitute the Ukrainian Central Election 
     Commission, and to close loopholes for fraud in preparation 
     for a new presidential election;
       Whereas on December 26, 2004, the people of Ukraine again 
     went to the polls to elect the next president of Ukraine in 
     what the consensus of domestic and international observers 
     declared as a more democratic, transparent, and fair election 
     process with fewer problems than the previous two rounds;
       Whereas on January 10, 2005, the election victory of 
     opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko was certified by the 
     Ukrainian Central Election Commission; and
       Whereas the runoff presidential election on December 26, 
     2004, signifies a turning point for Ukraine which offers new 
     hope and opportunity to the people of Ukraine: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring),  That Congress--
       (1) commends the people and Government of Ukraine for their 
     commitment to democracy and their determination to end the 
     political crisis in that country in a peaceful and democratic 
     manner;
       (2) congratulates the people and Government of Ukraine for 
     ensuring a free and fair runoff presidential election which 
     represents the true choice of the Ukrainian people;
       (3) congratulates Viktor Yushchenko on his election as 
     President of Ukraine;
       (4) applauds the Ukrainian presidential candidates, the 
     European Union and other European representatives, and the 
     United States Government for the role they played in helping 
     to find a peaceful resolution of the crisis;
       (5) acknowledges and welcomes the strong relationship 
     formed between the United States and Ukraine and expresses 
     its strong and continuing support for the efforts of the 
     Ukrainian people and the new Government of Ukraine to 
     establish a full democracy, the rule of law, and respect for 
     human rights; and
       (6) pledges its assistance to the strengthening of a fully 
     free and open democratic system in Ukraine, the creation of a 
     prosperous free market economy in Ukraine, the reaffirmation 
     of Ukraine's independence and territorial sovereignty, and 
     Ukraine's full integration into the international community 
     of democracies.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Hyde) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde).


                             General Leave

  Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
and include extraneous material on H. Con. Res. 16.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Illinois?
  There was no objection.

                              {time}  1415

  Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 16 as amended regarding the 
presidential elections recently held in Ukraine. I want to thank the 
ranking Democrat member of the Committee on International Relations and 
others who have joined me in sponsoring this resolution.
  This resolution has been amended to include a few clarifications of 
the original language.
  No issue was judged to be more important to Ukraine's future standing 
with the West and its ability to become a full partner with the Euro-
Atlantic community than the strength of its democracy. The presidential 
election represented a historic opportunity for the people of Ukraine 
to decide whether or not democracy can flourish in this important 
nation.
  So important was the desire for a free, fair and transparent election 
that this House overwhelmingly passed a resolution regarding the 
election in October. Unfortunately, despite the assurance we received 
from the Government of Ukraine, the rhetoric did not meet the actions. 
The October 31 election and the November 21 runoff election were marred 
by serious irregularities. The highly charged second-round vote on 
November 21 met all of our worst expectations.
  We all have read the media accounts of the election-day problems, and 
I will not repeat them here. The election was so compromised by open 
fraud that much of Ukraine's population took to the streets determined 
to preserve their liberties and prevent the installation of an 
illegitimate regime. Given the strength of that resistance and the 
near-universal condemnation of the election process by the 
international community, the once powerful government was forced to 
admit that the election over which it presided was fraudulent.
  In the aftermath of this contested election, an extraordinary series 
of events took place in Ukraine which

[[Page H146]]

confirmed to many that Ukraine's democracy may have survived the 
effects of the election abuses and may have received new life.
  The outpouring of public opposition to the faulty election process 
was beyond expectation. The thousands of demonstrators who flooded into 
the capital to protect the election outcome and to demand honest 
democracy even in the face of personal hardship were commendable. To 
their credit, the people of Ukraine spoke with determination that the 
will of the people would not be thwarted.
  Ukrainian institutions such as the Parliament and the Supreme Court 
affirmed their commitment to the rule of law and took their 
responsibilities seriously in order to resolve this crisis.
  Finally, the effort made by the European Union, Poland, Lithuania, 
joined by the United States to help broker a fair solution to the 
crisis, was a perfect example of how the transatlantic partnership is 
working.
  As a result of the convergence of all these elements inside Ukraine, 
a new runoff election was held on December 26. Witnessed by thousands 
of international observers, this time the election was determined to be 
free and fair, and Victor Yushchenko emerged as the new President-
elect. This past Sunday he was inaugurated as the new President of 
Ukraine.
  This resolution congratulates Victor Yushchenko on his election as 
President of Ukraine. It was a difficult struggle in which his campaign 
was denied fundamental rights, where he was the target of an 
assassination attempt and where his victory in the first runoff 
election was literally stolen from him by forces which could not accept 
defeat and were now not prepared to relinquish power.
  The resolution also commends the people of Ukraine for the remarkable 
effort they made to ensure that democracy was carried out in their 
country and the true will of the people to elect the president of their 
choice was accomplished.
  Mr. Speaker, rather than an external geopolitical struggle, events 
which took place in Ukraine between November 21 and December 26 were 
all about democracy, of freedom, of real, rather than declared, rights, 
as we heard Mr. Yushchenko explain, and the right of the people to 
freely and fairly choose their leaders.
  The United States Congress attaches great importance to the success 
of Ukraine's continued transition to a democratic state, with strong 
institutions and a flourishing market economy. U.S. Government policy 
must remain focused on promoting and strengthening a stable, 
democratic, and prosperous Ukraine.
  Today, through H. Con. Res. 16, we congratulate President Yushchenko. 
We commend the people of Ukraine for their commitment to democracy and 
to their nation and to their place in modern Europe. I urge passage of 
this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume, 
and I rise in strong support of this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, all of us were excited and exhilarated as we were 
watching the Orange Revolution unfold in the streets of Kiev. And I 
want to congratulate my dear friend and the distinguished chairman of 
the Committee on International Relations for his leadership in 
presenting this resolution to the House.
  Mr. Speaker, the bipartisan resolution before the House today 
congratulates Ukraine on having its first truly free and fair election 
since gaining its independence in 1991. These democratic elections are 
remarkable in the sense that they took place in a country which 
historically is closely tied to Russia, a country where, unfortunately, 
democracy has taken many huge steps backward over the past 4 years.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to express my admiration 
and respect for the Ukrainian people who took to the streets last 
November. The unwillingness of the Ukrainian people to accept a 
fraudulent and manipulated election and, ultimately, their success in 
forcing new, fair, free, and open elections should inspire people 
committed to democracy throughout the world.
  I hope that Ukraine's elections on December 26 will have lasting 
effects, not only on the future of Ukraine, but also on Ukraine's 
immediate neighbors: Georgia, Belarus, and Moldova, and on the 
autocratic regimes in Central Asia that are all slated to hold 
elections next year.
  The peaceful and powerful democratic protests in Ukraine spurred the 
Ukrainian Parliament to fulfill its obligations as a legislature in a 
democracy and to dismiss the last government.
  The protests sparked a rebellion among Ukraine's journalists and TV 
anchors who refused to be voices for government-concocted news. The 
judiciary in Ukraine has also found its noble and independent mission. 
We can only hope that the citizens of Russia and other former Soviet 
republics will act similarly in the months and years ahead.
  Mr. Speaker, as we congratulate the citizens of Ukraine and consider 
the way forward for Ukraine, we must also acknowledge that the 
situation in Ukraine is still very complex and the success of the new 
government is very far from certain.
  Mr. Yushchenko has a very small window of opportunity to pass the 
necessary reforms that will improve the lives of ordinary Ukrainians. 
The United States, the European Union, and multilateral organizations 
may be prepared to help Ukraine; but it is Mr. Yushchenko and his 
political allies in the government and in the Parliament who have to 
make the difficult choices to ensure that reforms are implemented.
  It remains to be seen whether President Yushchenko will live up to 
the high expectations many of us in the West have for his presidency. I 
am pleased with his clean and noncorrupt political record, his 
willingness to take on the oligarchs, and his efforts to pass long 
overdue economic reforms; but I caution my colleagues on both sides of 
the aisle to remain vigilant so that the ugly remnants of the Ukrainian 
and Soviet past do not overwhelm what may be a promising future of 
democracy in the eastern part of Europe.
  Mr. Speaker, among my concerns about the nature of the political 
forces in Ukraine today are a number of laws and executive decisions 
taken by the former president, Mr. Kuchma's lame duck government, which 
I think will hurt the Yushchenko presidency. The Kuchma government's 
decision to withdraw the Ukrainian contingent from coalition troops in 
Iraq was an insult to the American people and to the Government of the 
United States which have done so much to help Ukraine to earn its 
freedom and stood by her people in this difficult time.
  Today, I formally call upon President Yushchenko to reverse this ill-
advised decision and, in so doing, firmly signal his desire for a 
strong relationship with the United States. What this new 
administration does with respect to its international commitments will 
be an important marker for its future relations with the United States, 
and it will undoubtedly affect Ukraine's ability to integrate into 
Atlantic institutions. Mr. Speaker, democracy bestows priceless 
privileges, but it also demands the acceptance of some burdensome 
responsibilities.
  I urge my colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 16.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as he may 
consume to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), one of the 
leading battlers for human rights in Congress.
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman, the 
gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Hyde), for his leadership on Ukraine 
and on so many other important human rights issues around the world. 
And for the resolution that he offered and gave us the opportunity to 
vote on in the latter part of last year, calling on the Ukrainian 
Government to respect the democracy process and to have a fair and free 
election which, thankfully, on the second go around, they indeed did.
  I also want to thank Chairman Hyde for H. Con. Res. 16, which gives 
us as a body the opportunity to congratulate the people of Ukraine for 
conducting a democratic, transparent, and fair run-up election. The 
historic triumph of the Ukrainian people, Mr. Speaker, in what has come 
to be known around the

[[Page H147]]

world as the Orange Revolution, did not come about easily. There were 
many moments of uncertainty.
  Congratulations to Victor Yushchenko on his election as Ukraine's 
president. President Yushchenko displayed remarkable personal courage 
and dignity as he led the struggle for democracy and freedom, despite 
the debilitating dioxin poisoning attempt on his life and numerous 
other attempts that were designed to thwart him. He deserves our 
admiration for his incredible persistence in carrying out the fight for 
Ukraine's democratic future.
  Mr. Speaker, I chaired the Helsinki Commission during the last 2 
years, and we followed very closely the developments in Ukraine. We 
ourselves tried to influence and to bring to light many of the problems 
associated with the run-up to the election and the first election which 
thankfully was nullified. In various statements and speeches leading up 
to that election, and in hearings of the commission we noted that this 
election when conducted freely and fairly was perhaps the most 
important event in Ukraine since the restoration of independence.

                              {time}  1430

  Accordingly, we sent members of the commission staff to Ukraine to 
act as poll watchers to try to ensure that ballot stuffing and a myriad 
of devices used to steal an election did not happen.
  I would also point out to my friends that in a remarkable display of 
people power, more than a million Ukrainians took to the streets of 
Kiev and elsewhere in a historic, peaceful and well-organized protest, 
a protest that caught the attention and the imagination of the world, 
and many people in dictatorships noted as well. This people power 
intention was to compel a second election. We got the run-off election, 
and thankfully, that was judged to be free and fair, and the outcome is 
beyond dispute.
  With the stunning success of the Orange Revolution, Mr. Speaker, 
Ukraine is now firmly on the path to fulfill its quest to become a 
thriving democracy in which human rights are honored and the rule of 
law prevails. The model of Putin's Russia or Lukashenka's Belarus have 
been rejected resolutely by the Ukrainian people. Ukraine has made its 
choice for democracy and freedom and for integration with the Euro-
Atlantic community versus reintegration with Eurasia, with all of the 
implications of that choice for Ukraine's independence and its freedom.
  Mr. Speaker, throughout much of the 20th century, the Ukrainian 
people were the victims of unspeakable suffering, most notably the 
genocidal Ukrainian famine of the early 1930s, perpetrated by brutal 
dictatorships and various invaders. Toward the end of that century, the 
promise of renewed independence, for which so many had sacrificed, at 
long last came to fruition. The Orange Revolution and the victory of 
Viktor Yushchenko have brought Ukraine its freedom and, despite the 
formidable challenges that lie ahead, the true promise of a bright 
future.
  Mr. Speaker, finally, while listening to President Bush's inaugural 
address, I could not help but think of the recent events in Ukraine as 
a powerful example of what he called, and I quote him, ``one force of 
history that can break the reign of hatred and resentment, and expose 
the pretensions of tyrants, and reward the hopes of the decent and 
tolerant people, and that is the force of human freedom.'' We have 
seen, Mr. Speaker, this happen in Ukraine, and we must stand ready to 
offer our help and support and assistance to President Yushchenko and 
the Ukrainian people as they consolidate their free, democratic future.
  I thank my good friend for this resolution, for his great leadership, 
and for my good friends, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cardin) on 
the Helsinki Commission, and the gentleman from California (Mr. 
Lantos), the ranking member. We are united as a Congress on this very 
important issue.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to yield 3 minutes to the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis), my good friend and our 
distinguished colleague.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman 
from California for yielding me time.
  Mr. Speaker, I represent an area in Chicago known as Ukrainian 
Village, and last fall, I was privileged to visit Ukraine with my 
friends from the Self-Reliance Credit Union to celebrate Ukrainian 
independence and to assist with the development of credit unions in 
that country.
  I left impressed with the passion and commitment of the people of the 
Ukraine to the development of democracy in their homeland. They have 
been rewarded with a massive victory for their notions of the 
democratic process.
  I congratulate President Yushchenko on his election as President of 
Ukraine and commend all of the diverse forces who assisted in bringing 
about this triumph of the democratic process.
  Ukraine is emerging as a vigorous and forward-looking member of the 
European community, recognized for stepping away from nuclear weapons, 
and acknowledged for a flourishing, developing economy.
  I trust that relations between the Ukraine and the United States will 
continue to strengthen. The elections in the Ukraine mark a kind of 
fork in the road for U.S. foreign policy. We can move down the road 
toward mutually beneficial relations with Russia and all of the former 
Soviet republics and allies in Eastern Europe, or we can return to the 
kind of relationships which characterized the Cold War.
  I believe our choice ought to be clear: strong and peaceful 
relationships, rejecting all interference in the internal affairs of 
other states; mutually beneficial relationships based on fair trade; 
strict observance of international law; cultural and scientific 
cooperation; and people-to-people interaction.
  Again, Mr. Speaker, I commend the people of the Ukraine for 
demonstrating what democracy can and should really mean, and that is 
rule by the people.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cardin), the distinguished leader on the 
Democratic side of the Helsinki Commission.
  Mr. CARDIN. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Lantos) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) for 
their leadership on bringing this resolution forward. It is a very 
important moment in the history of the Ukraine.
  I also want to congratulate my colleague, the gentleman from New 
Jersey (Mr. Smith) for his leadership on the Helsinki Commission that 
has consistently raised the issue of fair and transparent elections 
among the member states for the Organization of Security and 
Cooperation in Europe.
  I want to congratulate Viktor Yushchenko and the people of the 
Ukraine on the fair and transparent run-off elections on December 26. 
What is very noteworthy is just 5 weeks earlier, that country had a 
run-off election that was marked by widespread fraud.
  After that election on November 21, something happened in the 
Ukraine. The spirit of democracy that we have seen in so many of the 
former republics of the Soviet Union finally made its way to the 
Ukraine. The support from the United States was instrumental in 
bringing about a change in the Ukraine. The support within the OSCE in 
insisting that its member states comply with requirements of the fair 
and transparent elections also helped. The will of the people 
prevailed.
  All of us remember what happened in Independence Square in Kiev known 
as the Orange Revolution. It gave strength to their country to seek 
freedom and fair elections. It gave strength to their institutions, and 
on December 3, the Supreme Court ruled the November 21 election 
invalid.
  Now the Ukraine has followed the lead of the former Soviet republic 
Georgia in their Revolution of Roses to bring about a fair election 
process, but, Mr. Speaker, there is a hard task ahead. They have to 
overcome the dual legacy of corruption and disregard for the rule of 
law.
  I know I speak for every person of this Chamber that if Ukraine 
follows the path of democracy and respect for human rights, as they 
showed in this past election, they will have this body, they will have 
this Nation on their side as they fight to develop a democratic system 
within their country.
  I applaud this resolution. I strongly support it. I urge my 
colleagues to support it.

[[Page H148]]

  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 16, 
regarding the recent elections in Ukraine, and President Victor 
Yushchenko's victory.
  Today, America looks upon a world very different from that which 
existed less than twenty years ago. Where once millions of people were 
trapped under the heels of tyrants, they now are enjoying the liberties 
we fought for more than two centuries ago. Our former rivals have 
become allies in the fight for freedom and democracy. The most recent 
example of this comes from Ukraine, where a drawn-out election has 
produced a new leadership for the citizens of this former Soviet 
Republic.
  In Ukraine, the will of the people proved stronger than threats and 
oppression, as tens of thousands of young Ukrainians took to the 
streets to protest fraudulent elections. Ultimately, they were heard, 
and Victor Yushchenko was elected to be their President.
  These elections are a triumphant accomplishment for the people of 
Ukraine, but by no means do they guarantee freedom. The struggle for 
liberty is a constant one, and in order for Ukrainians to fully realize 
their dream for representation, the new government of President Victor 
Yushchenko must rid the country of the corruption that has plagued it 
for so long. If this can be done, Ukraine will be able to realize a 
bright and productive future.
  When I visited Ukraine in December, I met some of the people who made 
it possible to overturn the fraudulent elections. It is hard to express 
how inspiring it was to see the pride and dedication that those young 
people exhibited. I can only hope that these qualities can find a home 
in the hearts of the young people in other societies and fuel the 
desire for freedom around the globe.
  I also met with the physician who diagnosed President Yushchenko with 
dioxin poisoning, after his face was so badly distorted by what appears 
to have been an effort to kill him and the reforms he represents. The 
symbolism behind this man's struggle is hard to ignore. Parallels can 
be drawn between the desperate grasps for dwindling power by others who 
have ruled without consent, and the cowardly poisoning of this 
remarkable man. President Yushchenko also represents the strength and 
inevitability of freedom itself. Rather than surrender, he drove 
forward, both for his supporters and for his country.
  Through its ``Orange Revolution,'' Ukraine has shown the world the 
strength and courage of its people. With its well educated workforce 
and bountiful natural resources, the country is poised for a prosperous 
future. President Yushchenko has expressed his desire for his country 
to join NATO and the European Union. The United States should support 
Ukraine's desire to fully join the west. At the same time, we must work 
to reassure Russia that a Ukraine that is fully integrated into Euro-
Atlantic institutions is not a threat, but instead represents a more 
stable neighbor and a potential future for Russia itself.
  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my full support as a 
cosponsor to this resolution, congratulating the Ukrainian people for 
their role in ensuring a fair and free election on December 26, and 
congratulating Viktor Yushchenko for his perseverance in winning the 
presidency.
  Democracy in Ukraine has come a long way in a very short time. The 
Orange Revolution, as it has been called, will be remembered as a 
historic milestone. This revolution succeeded through the peaceful 
efforts of the Ukrainian people standing up for democracy and genuine 
liberty for their country.
  Hundreds of thousands of Mr. Yushchenko's supporters, many wearing 
the orange color of his political party, poured into the streets of 
Kiev and blocked entrances to government buildings to protest a rigged 
vote and demand the Ukrainian Supreme Court invalidate the election 
results.
  It was stirring to watch these men, women and children brave the 
bitter cold and snow in Independence Square and throughout the country, 
demanding to have their voices heard and their just demands met, 
namely, free and fair elections.
  Here in Washington, I was proud to stand with nearly 1,500 Ukrainian-
Americans from around the country on the day before Thanksgiving at a 
demonstration in front of Ukraine's embassy to demand that the will of 
the voters of Ukraine be upheld in that nation's presidential election. 
We gathered together in the rain just as the AP Wire announced that 
Ukraine's Election Commission had grievously certified the election of 
Viktor Yanukovych. Ukraine has come such a long way since then.
  The United States stood with the hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians 
demonstrating for democracy, and made clear that Mr. Yanukovych must 
not be recognized as president. The U.S. must continue to stand with 
the people of Ukraine and strengthen the relationship that has formed 
between our nations.
  I have joined the other co-chairs of the Congressional Ukrainian 
Caucus in writing to Speaker Hastert asking him to invite President 
Yushchenko to address a joint session of Congress. This should only be 
the next step. The U.S. must remain committed to assist Ukraine 
establish a full democracy and create a prosperous free market economy.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to vote in favor of House 
Concurrent Resolution 16.
  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the 
resolution offered by my Chairman, the gentleman from Illinois, Mr. 
Hyde, congratulating the people of Ukraine for the fair and free 
election of a new President.
  I also commend and congratulate President Victor A. Yushchenko for 
his victory--and more importantly, his determination to see fair and 
free elections in this fledgling democracy.
  The world watched this race unfold--the poisoning of the democratic 
candidate, a stolen victory, and marches in the street by people hungry 
for freedom and for a better future for their children.
  The world witnessed true passion. We witnessed people expressing 
themselves and their will to live freely and democratically. We 
witnessed people determined to take charge of their nation's destiny 
and risk all to do so. We witnessed young and old, families and 
students, camping outdoors in the blistering Ukrainian cold to protest 
against a sham victory and demand true elections. What we witnessed was 
true everyday heroism.
  While we, the people of the world, witnessed victory--the people of 
Ukraine lived it, by forcing it. By rejecting tyranny and corruption 
and demanding equality and freedom, they brought about peaceful 
democratic regime change.
  And at the inaugural, an inspiring historical event itself, we saw 
the symbolic break with the past and a nation's hopes soar, as 
President Yushchenko released a dove--a symbol of peace--into the air 
to fly free. This dove rose into the sky much like the hopes of this 
newly free people, united for a better nation for themselves and their 
families.
  President Yushchenko represents the continued peaceful demand by 
people on every continent for self-governance and free market 
principles.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join with my colleagues, and so many of 
my constituents, including Emil Eisdorfer of the Bronx, New York in 
welcoming President Yushchenko. I welcome the people of Ukraine into 
the family of democratic and free nations.
  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the Chairman (Mr. Hyde) and 
the Ranking Member (Mr. Lantos) for bringing this important legislation 
to the Floor today.
  As the former Chairman and Ranking Democrat on the Helsinki 
Commission, I was honored to advocate for the basic human rights of 
dissidents in the former Soviet Union, including in Ukraine, and know 
well their commitment to freedom and democracy.
  And today, as this legislation recognizes, the people of Ukraine have 
achieved their long sought goal and under the leadership of their new 
President, Viktor Yushchenko, and today are moving forward with a 
spirit of optimism and hope.
  Over the last several months, the people of Ukraine have weathered 
nothing short of political crisis.
  The November 21st presidential runoff between then-Prime Minister 
Viktor Yanukovich and President Yushchenko, who was then the opposition 
leader, was racked by voting irregularities and illegalities.
  Ukranian and international observers both determined that state 
resources were abused in support of Prime Minister Yanukovich, who 
``won'' that runoff. There was illegal voting by absentee ballot, 
multiple voting, assaults on election observers and the use of 
counterfeit ballots.
  Ukranian citizens bravely engaged in peaceful demonstrations, the 
Parliament passed a resolution declaring that there were violations of 
law during the runoff, and it passed a resolution expressing no 
confidence in the government of Prime Minister Yanukovich.
  Then, the Ukrainian Supreme Court declared the runoff invalid and 
ordered a new presidential election on December 26th.
  As all the world watched, the people of Ukraine elected Victor 
Yushchenko as their President by a clear margin.
  Mr. Speaker, I specifically want to note the great personal courage 
of President Yushchenko, who was poisoned by dioxin in late summer. He 
also has shown maturity and leadership throughout this political 
crisis.
  In fact, yesterday, on his first full day in office, President 
Yushchenko visited Russian President Putin in Moscow, who had openly 
backed Mr. Yankukovich.
  The new President's leadership, as well as the people of Ukraine's 
commitment to democracy, bodes well for this nation. And I join my 
colleagues in congratulating them on this accomplishment.
  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Viktor A. 
Yushchenko on being sworn in as the President of Ukraine on January 23, 
2005. After enduring personal hardships, President Yushchenko enters 
office as

[[Page H149]]

powerful symbol of victory over tyranny. His inauguration ends a bitter 
chapter in Ukraine's history and paves the way for the country to 
become a democratic leader in the former Soviet Union.
  As a founding member and former Co-Chair of the Congressional 
Ukrainian Caucus, I have regularly spoken out in favor of a democratic 
Ukraine. In 2002, I introduced a resolution urging the Government of 
Ukraine to ensure a democratic, transparent, and fair election process 
leading up to the March 2002 parliamentary elections. This resolution 
passed overwhelmingly and let the Ukrainian government know that the 
U.S. would not simply rubber-stamp aid to the Ukraine without also 
considering the serious issues involved in Ukraine's democratic 
development.
  Unfortunately Mr. Speaker, the former Ukrainian government continued 
to turn a blind-eye to the international community's insistence on 
truly democratic elections. The November 21 runoff presidential race 
was plagued by voter fraud, intimidation, and widespread use of 
counterfeit ballots. However, a truly significant event occurred after 
Viktor Yushchenko's opponent was initially declared the winner. 
Thousands of Ukrainians took to the streets in protest, surrounding the 
government buildings and refusing to leave until a new and fair 
election was announced. Their faith and determination was signified by 
the donning of orange scarves, and came to be known as the Orange 
Revolution. It was instrumental in forcing the Ukrainian government to 
hold new elections on December 26, which Yushchenko won handedly. I 
want to commend the Ukrainian people for their commitment to ending 
their political crisis in a peaceful and democratic way.
  The United States Congress stands ready to work with President 
Yushchenko as he undertakes the political and economic reforms 
necessary to bring about a bright future for Ukraine. I am hopeful, Mr. 
Speaker, that President Bush will soon invite President Yushchenko to 
Washington so that Congress can congratulate him and hear firsthand his 
vision for bringing about a reformed Ukraine dedicated to freedom and 
justice.
  Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I was regrettably delayed in my 
return to Washington, DC, and therefore unable to be on the House Floor 
for rollcall votes 8 and 9.
  Had I been here I would have voted ``aye'' for rollcall vote 8, on H. 
Con. Res. 16--Congratulating the people of the Ukraine for conducting a 
democratic, transparent, and fair runoff presidential election on 
December 26, 2004, and congratulating Victor Yushchenko on his election 
as President of Ukraine and his commitment to democracy and reform.
  The voice of the Ukrainian people spoke loudly on December 26th as 
Ukrainians united and re-affirmed their commitment to reform, 
democracy, and further Trans-Atlantic cooperation with their selection 
of Mr. Yushchenko as President. The peaceful, orange-clad demonstrators 
who rallied throughout Ukraine and helped achieve this historic moment 
should be an inspiration to all of us. And Mr. Yushchenko's peaceful 
inauguration, and smooth transition to power, displays yet another 
positive sign for a bright future for the Ukrainians and sets an 
exceptional example of the power of freedom and democracy for the 
entire region.
  As a senior Member of the House International Relations Committee, I 
extend my personal congratulations to Mr. Yushchenko and wish him all 
the best as he works to bring Ukraine into the community of democratic 
nations. As freedom and democracy descends on Ukraine, I hope that 
their peaceful transition to a modern democratic country will serve as 
a further catalyst for the growing international movement to bring 
liberty to all peoples of the world that still suffer in the shadows of 
tyranny and dictatorship.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, we have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of our time.
  Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I, 
too, yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Shimkus). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) that the House 
suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 
16, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of 
those present have voted in the affirmative.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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