[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 3 (Wednesday, January 13, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H49-H51]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SUPPORTING CONTINUED POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN UKRAINE

  Mr. TANNER. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 981) supporting continued political and 
economic development in Ukraine.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 981

       Whereas in 1991, Ukraine re-established its independence, 
     and began the process of developing democratic institutions 
     and a market economy;
       Whereas the Ukrainian people bravely demonstrated their 
     desire for a free, democratic, and prosperous country through 
     nonviolent protest during the 2004 Orange Revolution;
       Whereas the United States and Ukraine have a strong 
     relationship, as evidenced by the United States-Ukraine 
     Charter on Strategic Partnership, signed in December 2008 by 
     Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice with the objective of 
     expanding cooperation on defense, trade, energy, democratic 
     development, and cultural exchange;
       Whereas during the July 2009 visit of Vice President Biden 
     to Kyiv, the United States and Ukraine agreed to create the 
     Strategic Partnership Commission to help implement the 
     Charter, which held its inaugural meeting in Washington, DC, 
     on December 9, 2009, during the visit of the Ukrainian 
     Foreign Minister;
       Whereas a strong, sovereign, independent, democratic, and 
     economically prosperous Ukraine is important to the interests 
     of the United States and to achieving peace, prosperity and 
     stability in Europe;
       Whereas Ukraine has been a staunch partner of the United 
     States and NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) allies, 
     as demonstrated by Ukraine's participation in the 
     International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan and 
     the NATO Training Mission in Iraq and by NATO's declaration 
     at the Bucharest Summit in April 2008 that Ukraine will 
     become a member of the Alliance;
       Whereas the United States and the European Union provide 
     assistance to help Ukraine foster peace and security, 
     strengthen its democratic institutions, further economic 
     growth, and counter HIV/AIDS and other deadly diseases;
       Whereas the United States, the United Kingdom, and Russia 
     gave security assurances to Ukraine in the Budapest Memoranda 
     of December 5, 1994, following Ukraine's commitment to 
     eliminate all nuclear weapons from its territory and its 
     accession to the Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear 
     Weapons as a non-nuclear weapons state as well as the entry 
     into force of the START Treaty;
       Whereas the Joint Statement on the Expiration of the START 
     Treaty issued by the United States and Russia on December 4, 
     2009, affirmed that ``the assurances recorded in the Budapest 
     Memoranda will remain in effect after December 4, 2009'';
       Whereas, as Vice President Biden stated when he was in 
     Kyiv, the effort to reset the United States relationship with 
     Russia ``will not come at Ukraine's expense,'' and ``the more 
     substantive relationship we have with Moscow, the more we can 
     defuse the zero-sum thinking about our relations with 
     Russia's neighbors.'';
       Whereas Ukraine and the Ukrainian people have suffered from 
     the world financial crisis, and the government has sought and 
     received assistance from international financial 
     institutions, but still needs to overcome internal political 
     and economic stalemates that prevent it from fulfilling its 
     requirements and hinder its ability to achieve greater 
     financial stability;
       Whereas Ukraine will hold a presidential election on 
     January 17, 2010, with a possible run-off election on 
     February 7, 2010, if needed;
       Whereas the initial 2004 presidential elections in Ukraine 
     were marred by widespread irregularities, including fraud, 
     intimidation, falsification of results, and media bias; and
       Whereas it is vital for Ukraine's democratic development 
     that the 2010 elections be free, fair, transparent, and 
     untainted: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) reaffirms the strong relationship between the United 
     States and Ukraine, and encourages continued efforts to 
     implement the provisions of the United States-Ukraine Charter 
     on Strategic Partnership;
       (2) expresses its support for the efforts of the Ukrainian 
     people to consolidate democratic institutions, rule of law, 
     respect for human rights, and economic reforms;
       (3) recognizes the suffering of the Ukrainian people due to 
     the downturn in the world economy, and supports measures by 
     the international financial institutions to assist Ukraine;
       (4) urges all parties in Ukraine to seek resolution of 
     disputes and to take active measures to enable necessary 
     political and economic reforms;
       (5) urges the Government of Ukraine and all political 
     parties to ensure that the 2010 election is conducted freely, 
     fairly, transparently, and without manipulation;
       (6) encourages the Government of Ukraine and all political 
     parties to welcome the participation of the Organization for 
     Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and other 
     international election monitors, cooperate fully with them, 
     and provide them unimpeded access to all aspects of the 
     election process; and
       (7) reiterates its enduring support and friendship for 
     Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Tennessee (Mr. Tanner) and the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Boozman) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Tennessee.


                             General Leave

  Mr. TANNER. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and 
include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Tennessee?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. TANNER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  This Sunday, Ukrainians will go to the polls to elect a new 
President. The successful conduct of these elections is important to 
our country, the United States. As Vice President Biden said during his 
visit to Kiev last summer, ``we consider Ukraine to be a vital European 
partner for advancing stability, prosperity, and democracy on the 
Continent.''
  Six years ago, the Orange Revolution demonstrated the Ukrainian 
people's desire for freedom, democracy, and prosperity. Since that 
time, Ukraine has made great strides in developing a vibrant civil 
society, an open and free press, and a government accountable to its 
citizens. We welcome the government's registration of over 450 
international observers for the elections, including from the OSCE and 
the International Republican Institute. We would take this means and 
opportunity to urge all parties in the elections to cooperate fully 
with the observers and ensure the elections are conducted without 
manipulation.
  The United States and Ukraine have a strong bond, not least due to 
the fact that over 1 million Americans trace their roots back to 
Ukraine. These ties were solidified in the Charter on Strategic 
Partnership, which was signed in December of 2008 and which outlined 
numerous areas of engagement and cooperation. Last month, the Strategic

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Partnership Commission held its first meeting here in Washington during 
the visit of the Ukrainian Foreign Minister.
  Madam Speaker, Ukraine has been a key partner in the efforts of the 
Transatlantic Alliance to ensure international security, contributing 
forces to the NATO mission in Afghanistan and training mission in Iraq. 
In addition, on December 16, Ukraine formally agreed to allow the 
transit of cargo through its territory to support the NATO ISAF 
operations in Afghanistan. Access to the landlocked country of 
Afghanistan is vital, and we applaud Ukraine in assisting to turn the 
tide against the Taliban and prevent safe haven for al Qaeda. NATO has 
made clear that Ukraine will become a member of the Alliance at some 
point, if it so desires.
  Following the 60th anniversary of the NATO summit in Strasbourg-Kehl, 
I visited Kiev, Ukraine, as chairman of the U.S. delegation to NATO and 
as president of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly to underline NATO's 
ongoing commitment to Ukraine's process of Euro-Atlantic integration. 
While meeting with the leaders of Ukraine, I expressed the conviction 
that NATO's door should remain open and encouraged the implementation 
of reforms necessary to bring this integration to fruition.
  In order for Ukraine to remain on this positive path of political 
development and Euro-Atlantic integration, it is critical that this 
upcoming election be free, fair, and untainted by the fraud and 
irregularities that beset the 2004 polls.
  Also, we recognize that Ukraine, like much of the world, has suffered 
greatly from the global financial crisis. Unfortunately, political 
divisions have hampered Ukraine's effort to overcome this crisis and to 
implement the reforms necessary to cement its progress on the road to 
prosperity. These elections are particularly important to ensure the 
Ukrainian Government has a clear mandate from its people that would 
enable it to carry out the difficult decisions necessary to put the 
country on such a path.
  Madam Speaker, given the importance of Ukraine as a vital friend and 
strategic partner of the United States, I would urge support for this 
resolution.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  I rise in support of House Resolution 981, introduced by Chairman 
Berman, and expressing our support for the continued political and 
economic development of Ukraine.
  Almost 20 years have passed since the Ukrainian people gained their 
independence by breaking free from the oppressive authoritarian Soviet 
communist regime. Despite continuing challenges, both internal and 
external, Ukraine has made significant progress in establishing a 
democratic political system and implementing market-based economic 
reforms. Since becoming an independent state, Ukraine has evolved into 
an increasingly important partner for the United States and for our 
European allies.
  Ukraine's participation in the international mission in Afghanistan 
and in the NATO training mission in Iraq are examples of contributions 
that Ukraine has made and is making in its effort focused on promoting 
stability and defeating Islamic extremists. In recognition of Ukraine's 
commitment, the NATO heads of state at their Bucharest summit in April, 
2008, agreed to and declared Ukraine will become a member of the NATO 
Alliance in the future. In December, 2008, then-Secretary of State 
Condoleezza Rice signed the U.S.-Ukraine Charter on Strategic 
Partnership, which aims to expand cooperation between our two countries 
on issues relating to democracy, defense, energy, and trade.
  Significant challenges continue to confront Ukraine, including 
serious financial troubles it now faces as a result of the global 
financial crisis. One very serious challenge to the stability of 
Eastern Europe, as well as the future independence and prosperity of 
Ukraine, lies in the apparent interest on the part of some in 
neighboring Russia to ensure that Ukraine is held within a sphere of 
influence dominated by Russia. It's important to Ukraine, to Europe, 
and to the transatlantic community that Russia refrain from any effort 
to provoke instability by fomenting territorial divisions, as it did in 
Georgia, or interfere in Ukraine's domestic policies and politics, 
either overtly or through less visible corrupt activities.
  In the wake of the Russian invasion of Georgia in August, 2008, such 
concern over Russian intentions toward Ukraine is no small matter. The 
Kremlin needs to accept the right of Ukraine to its independence and to 
its right to live as a peaceful political democracy free of 
intimidation. The United States has a strong interest in seeing the 
rise of a sovereign, free, democratic, and prosperous Ukraine. The 
presidential elections scheduled to take place next week in Ukraine 
need to be conducted in a free and fair manner. The victor in those 
elections needs to lead Ukraine in a democratic and noncorrupt manner 
in order to solidify the hard-won progress already made by the 
Ukrainian people.
  I urge my colleagues to render their full support for this 
resolution.
  Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, as an original cosponsor of this 
resolution, I stand in full support and in strong friendship of Ukraine 
and her people.
  In a region which struggles to produce a stable democracy, Ukraine is 
poised to become a shining example of a strong and viable democratic 
state. Upon establishment of its independence in 1991, Ukraine moved 
towards becoming a free society through the creation of democratic 
institutions and a fledgling market economy.
  More recently, the Orange Revolution of 2004 showed the Ukrainian 
people's desire for a more open, free, and prosperous country--for a 
resolute democracy. Since its independence, Ukraine has been an ally of 
the United States. The signing of the United States-Ukraine Charter on 
Strategic Partnership in 2008 expands our already existing cooperation 
on defense, energy, democratic development, and cultural exchange.
  However, obstacles exist which threaten to derail Ukraine's progress. 
The global financial crisis has taken a harsh toll on the country, 
causing the government to seek international assistance. Ukraine must 
take the difficult internal steps necessary to maintain her financial 
independence, to ensure that she is not beholden to outside financial 
institutions and interests.
  It is imperative to the future of Ukraine that this month's elections 
be free, fair, and transparent. Without elections that accurately 
express the will of the people, Ukraine's democracy cannot, and will 
not, achieve its full potential.
  Given the determination of Ukraine to maintain itself as a democratic 
nation, it is more important now than ever for the United States to 
support Ukraine's continued political and economic development.
  We stand by Ukraine as she continues her endeavor to become a 
standard bearer for democracy. In strong support of Ukraine and her 
people, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this resolution.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the 
importance of continued political and economic development in Ukraine. 
The United States-Ukraine Charter on Strategic Partnership, signed in 
December 2008 by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, signifies the 
strong relationship between the United States and Ukraine. We continue 
to support the expanding cooperation on defense, trade, energy, 
democratic development, and cultural exchange.
  During the IX Lvov International Economic Forum, international 
experts noted Ukraine's strong areas and the areas that are worth 
working on. Areas of strength include the market's scope, the system of 
higher education, macroeconomic stability, and effectiveness of the job 
market. The following drawbacks, however, were noted: lack of 
preparedness for the introduction of new technologies, the financial 
sector, the instability of government institutions and the country's 
policies as a whole, and the ineffectiveness of the commodities market.
  Ukrainians have a strong presence in Chicago and have greatly 
contributed to the city. There are almost 14,000 Ukrainians living 
within city limits and more than 45,000 Ukrainians living within the 
greater Chicago metropolitan area. The core Ukrainian neighborhood in 
the city is known as Chicago's ``Ukrainian Village.'' Even though 
Ukrainian Chicago extends far beyond the Ukrainian Village, this area 
continues to function as its hub with three major Ukrainian churches, 
two Ukrainian banks, a Ukrainian grammar school, the Ukrainian National 
Museum, a Ukrainian Cultural Center, two Ukrainian youth organizations, 
and many Ukrainian restaurants, stores and businesses.
  I am honored to represent such a diverse and multi-cultured 
congressional district, and I

[[Page H51]]

continue to welcome the people of the Ukrainian Village and honor them 
for their continued service and dedication to Chicago.
  Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong 
support of H. Res. 981, supporting continued political and economic 
development in Ukraine.
  It has been 18 years since Ukraine joined the family of free and 
independent nations, much of that due to the commitment shown by the 
people of Ukrainian heritage living throughout the world including 
those in Southeast Michigan.
   And today, Ukraine is a great friend and ally of the United States 
and a model for nations who made the transformation from tyranny to 
freedom. They have been stalwart partners in the War on Terror--sending 
troops to support International Security Assistance Force in 
Afghanistan and Iraq.
  The U.S.-based human rights watchdog Freedom House designated Ukraine 
as a free country for the fourth consecutive year in its 2010 Freedom 
in the World survey. It is all the more encouraging because according 
to Freedom House, 2009 marked the fourth consecutive year in which 
global freedom suffered a decline.
  It is time that we gave the people of Ukraine the recognition they 
deserve for their exemplary economic progress and continued democratic 
ambitions, especially as their presidential elections approach next 
week.
  The Ukrainian people bravely demonstrated their desire for a free, 
democratic, and prosperous country through nonviolent protest during 
the 2004 Orange Revolution and this year's election is a testament to 
the enduring strength of the Ukrainian democracy. It is my sincere hope 
that the elections are conducted in a fair, free and transparent 
manner.
  The Ukrainian population in Southeast Michigan is one of the 
largest--if not the largest, in the nation. These Ukrainian Americans 
are great citizens and great Patriots, and for years Ukrainians fought 
against Soviet oppression on behalf of freedom, so it is my honor to 
serve the 10th Congressional District and the Ukrainian-Americans who 
live there; and this Nation is proud to call Ukraine and her people 
friends and allies.
  A strong, sovereign, independent, democratic, and economically 
prosperous Ukraine is important to the interests of the United States 
and to achieving peace, prosperity and stability in Europe, so I urge 
my colleagues to support this bill.
  Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 
981, which supports the continued political and economic development in 
Ukraine. This important resolution represents another step in our 
continued efforts to support the Ukrainian people in their efforts to 
fully integrate into the Euro-Atlantic community of democratic nations.
  On January 17th, Ukraine will hold its presidential election with a 
subsequent run-off held on February 7th. This election represents a 
critical moment not only for Ukraine, but for the region as a whole. As 
Ukraine continues along the path of economic and political integration, 
it is my hope that the presidential election will be conducted in a 
free, fair, and transparent manner.
  As a co-chair of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus, I believe it is 
important to encourage closer ties between the United States and 
Ukraine. This relationship must be one that is continually fostered and 
strengthened, both politically and economically. By expressing our 
support for free and democratic elections, Congress can assist the 
Ukrainian people in their efforts to join the larger Euro-Atlantic 
community of democratic nations.
  I would like to thank the Chairman and Ranking Member for their 
continued support of legislation aimed at strengthening the ties of the 
United States with a key ally in Eastern Europe and encouraging fair 
and democratic elections. In light of the recent economic struggles of 
Ukraine, our support and continued friendship is critical.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H. Res. 981 
and in favor of continued friendship and support for Ukraine and the 
Ukrainian people in their efforts to fully integrate into the Euro-
Atlantic community of democratic nations.

                              {time}  1100

  Mr. TANNER. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Tanner) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 981.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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