[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 142 (Tuesday, September 9, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1733-E1734]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  INTRODUCTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF GEORGIA ENHANCED TRADE ASSISTANCE, 
           ECONOMIC RECOVERY, AND RECONSTRUCTION ACT OF 2008

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 9, 2008

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, today I rise to introduce the 
Republic of Georgia Enhanced Trade Assistance, Economic Recovery, and 
Reconstruction Act of 2008. This bill will provide urgently needed 
economic and reconstruction assistance to the people of Georgia 
following Russia's invasion of that sovereign and independent country 
last month.
  Madam Speaker, the war between Russia and Georgia resulted in the 
displacement of tens of thousands of men, women, and children from the 
conflict zone in South Ossetia and elsewhere in Georgia. There is 
credible evidence that at least some villages were hit because they 
were populated by ethnic Georgians. As we know, people can't work when 
they have nowhere to live and their basic needs are not being met. 
Additionally, the Russians clearly targeted critical components of 
Georgia's economic infrastructure for destruction, resulting in the 
disruption of domestic and regional commerce.
  The dire circumstances in the aftermath of the invasion require 
timely action by the United States and the international community.
  As Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation, the body 
charged by Congress with monitoring human rights throughout Europe and 
beyond, I am deeply concerned over developments in and around Georgia, 
a country I have visited on numerous occasions, most recently in 
January. It pains me that there is a need for the kind of legislation I 
am introducing today--an urgent measure to aid one OSCE country--
Georgia--which is recovering from devastating damage done to its 
people, economy, infrastructure, and environment by another OSCE 
country--Russia.
  The Helsinki principles were meant to preclude such armed conflict 
between participating states. Among them were the commitments to 
refrain from the threat of or use of force to resolve conflicts; and 
respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other states. 
In invading Georgia, Russia has violated these OSCE commitments and I 
am saddened to be compelled to condemn Russia's conduct.

[[Page E1734]]

  Madam Speaker, it is apparent that Russia deliberately sought to 
cripple Georgia's economy, wreaking economic hardship and perhaps 
seeking to foment upheaval. In the process, Russia has sought to 
degrade key economic and commercial zones in the region, and I'm 
concerned that the most serious long-term damage could be the loss of 
confidence in Georgia as a reliable transit point for oil and gas 
pipelines--currently the only transit point for oil to Europe from 
central Asia and the Caucasus that does not go through Russia.
  This legislation, while it cannot undo all of the damage done to 
Georgia's economy and infrastructure, will go far in helping Georgia, a 
strategic U.S. partner, begin to rebuild its economy and critical 
infrastructure while helping to create new trade, business, and 
economic opportunities among key countries in the region.
  I welcome the administration's announcement of a package of U.S. 
emergency assistance to be provided to Georgia. My legislation seeks to 
complement these preliminary efforts with the aim of ensuring the kind 
of sustained assistance the people of Georgia will need in the coming 
months to rebuild their lives and country.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important 
legislation and ensure its timely passage.

                          ____________________