[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 40 (Tuesday, March 11, 2014)]
[House]
[Pages H2268-H2273]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CONDEMNING VIOLATION OF UKRAINIAN SOVEREIGNTY, INDEPENDENCE, AND 
                         TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY

  Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 499) condemning the violation of Ukrainian 
sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity by military forces 
of the Russian Federation, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 499

       Whereas the United States has been strongly committed to 
     the sovereignty, democratic development, and prosperity of 
     Ukraine since it secured its independence from the Soviet 
     Union in 1991;
       Whereas on January 29, 2014, the Committee on Foreign 
     Affairs of the House of Representatives agreed to House 
     Resolution 447, supporting the democratic and European 
     aspirations of the people of Ukraine and their right to 
     choose their own future free of intimidation and fear, which 
     resolution was agreed to by the House of Representatives on 
     February 10, 2014;
       Whereas the Ukrainian people have the right to freely 
     determine their future, including their country's 
     relationship with other countries and international 
     organizations, without interference, intimidation, or 
     coercion by other countries;
       Whereas closer relations with Europe hold out the prospect 
     of a more stable and prosperous Ukraine, which would be of 
     benefit to all countries, including Russia;
       Whereas the military intervention by the Russian Federation 
     in Crimea is a violation of Ukraine's sovereignty, 
     independence, and territorial integrity;
       Whereas this military intervention is a violation of 
     international law, including the Russian Federation's 
     obligations under the United Nations Charter;
       Whereas this military intervention is a violation of the 
     Russian Federation's obligations under the 1994 Budapest 
     Memorandum on Security Assurances, in which it pledged to 
     respect the independence and sovereignty and the existing 
     borders of Ukraine and to refrain from the threat or use of 
     force against the territorial integrity or political 
     independence of Ukraine;
       Whereas by its military intervention in Ukraine, the 
     Russian Federation has violated the provisions of the 
     Helsinki Final Act Declaration of Principles Regarding 
     Relations Between Participating States of the Organization 
     for Security and Cooperation in Europe;
       Whereas the Russian Federation's military intervention in 
     Crimea represents a reckless escalation of its long-standing 
     efforts to pressure Ukraine through political, diplomatic, 
     and economic means to reduce its ties to Europe and the West 
     and force it into a closer association with Russia, including 
     through the establishment of a Eurasian Union;
       Whereas the Russian Federation has used and is continuing 
     to use coercive economic measures, including the manipulation 
     of energy prices and supplies, and trade restrictions to 
     place political pressure on Ukraine and other countries in 
     the region;

[[Page H2269]]

       Whereas the Government of Ukraine has exercised 
     extraordinary restraint to date in response to the use of 
     force against it on its territory;
       Whereas the instability in Ukraine has forced 230 Peace 
     Corps volunteers to leave Ukraine; and
       Whereas the immediate deployment of international monitors 
     from either the Organization for Security and Cooperation in 
     Europe or the United Nations to Crimea and in other Ukrainian 
     regions would provide transparency and objective reporting 
     regarding threats of violence and military activity, and 
     regarding civil and political rights, and also enhance the 
     security of the Ukrainian people in all regions: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) condemns the violation of Ukrainian sovereignty, 
     independence, and territorial integrity by military forces of 
     the Russian Federation;
       (2) states that the military intervention by the Russian 
     Federation--
       (A) is in breach of its obligations under the United 
     Nations Charter;
       (B) is in violation of the 1994 Budapest Memorandum on 
     Security Assurances, in which it pledged to respect the 
     independence and sovereignty and the existing borders of 
     Ukraine and to refrain from the threat of use of force 
     against the territorial integrity or political independence 
     of Ukraine; and
       (C) poses a threat to international peace and security;
       (3) calls on the Russian Federation to remove all of its 
     military forces from Ukraine's Crimean peninsula, other than 
     those operating in strict accordance with its 1997 agreement 
     on the Status and Conditions of the Black Sea Fleet 
     Stationing on the Territory of Ukraine, and to refrain from 
     interference in all regions of Ukraine, including by ending 
     its support of separatist and paramilitary forces in Crimea;
       (4) declares that the Ukrainian people have the right to 
     determine their own future free from outside interference;
       (5) commends the Ukrainian Government for its continued 
     restraint and avoidance of military provocations;
       (6) calls on the Ukrainian Government to continue to 
     protect the rights of all minority populations within Ukraine 
     and make clear that it represents all Ukrainian citizens;
       (7) calls on all Ukrainians to respect the legitimate 
     government authorities in all parts of Ukraine, including in 
     eastern and southern Ukraine, as well as to respect all 
     Ukrainian laws and the Constitution of Ukraine;
       (8) calls for the deployment of independent monitors from 
     the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in 
     Crimea and other areas of Ukraine;
       (9) calls on NATO allies and European Union member states 
     to immediately suspend military cooperation with Russia, 
     including restricting sales to the Russian government of 
     lethal and non-lethal military equipment that might be used 
     to support further aggression in Ukraine or elsewhere in the 
     region;
       (10) calls upon the President and the leaders of other 
     democratic states to boycott the G-8 summit in Sochi, Russia, 
     to convene a G-7 summit in June 2014 outside of Russia that 
     does not include Russia, and to consider expelling Russia 
     from the group, given its record of international aggression, 
     domestic repression, and human rights records that are 
     inconsistent with democratic standards;
       (11) calls on the Administration to work with our European 
     allies and other countries to impose visa, financial, trade, 
     and other sanctions on senior Russian Federation officials, 
     Russian and Ukranian oligarchs and others complicit in 
     Russia's intervention and interference in Ukraine, majority 
     state-owned banks and commercial organizations, and other 
     state agencies, as appropriate;
       (12) states that the United States should participate with 
     its European allies, other countries, and international 
     organizations in a coordinated effort to provide the 
     Ukrainian government with financial, economic, and technical 
     assistance, including asset recovery, to assist a domestic 
     economic recovery program that includes fundamental reforms 
     and effective anti-corruption measures;
       (13) calls on the United States, its European allies, and 
     other countries and international organizations to provide 
     assistance to ensure that new elections scheduled for May 
     2014 are free, fair, and in full accordance with 
     international standards;
       (14) calls on the United States and its European allies, 
     other countries, and international organizations to develop a 
     long-term strategy to support economic development and reform 
     in Ukraine, including through enhanced relationships with 
     Western countries, organizations and institutions;
       (15) calls on Ukraine and European countries and former 
     Soviet Republics to support energy diversification 
     initiatives to reduce Russian control of energy exports, 
     including by promoting energy efficiency and reverse natural 
     gas flows from Western Europe, and calls on the United States 
     to promote increased natural gas exports and energy 
     efficiency;
       (16) supports efforts by Ukraine to achieve energy 
     independence;
       (17) supports efforts by Ukraine to improve transparency, 
     combat corruption, and protect individual rights through an 
     independent judiciary and strong rule of law; and
       (18) affirms the right of all countries in the region to 
     exercise their sovereign rights within their internationally 
     recognized borders free from outside intervention and to 
     conduct their foreign policy in accordance with their 
     determination of the best interests of their peoples.

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


                             General Leave

  Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include 
extraneous material in the Record.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 499, a very important 
declaration of support for the people of Ukraine in this time of peril. 
This measure condemns Russia's unprovoked aggression in clear and in 
unmistakable terms. The U.S. has a strong interest in a democratic and 
prosperous Ukraine and a Ukraine with its territorial integrity intact.
  I would like to take this time to recognize, also, Ranking Member 
Engel for coauthoring this bipartisan resolution, and I would also like 
to thank the members of the Committee on Foreign Affairs for their work 
to strengthen this resolution at last week's markup where it passed 
unanimously.
  This resolution is an important part of the larger effort to aid 
Ukraine and impose real costs on Russia, to give Russia something to 
weigh in the balance, something to take into account for its 
unacceptable action in the Crimea section of Ukraine.
  Among other resolves, the resolution condemns the violation of 
Ukrainian sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity by 
military forces of the Russian Federation, and it declares that the 
Ukrainian people have the right to determine their own future free from 
outside interference.
  Importantly, the resolution calls on the administration to work with 
our allies to impose visa, financial, and other sanctions, as 
appropriate. Russia's actions cannot go unchallenged.
  To show Moscow how isolated its aggression has made it, world leaders 
are speaking out. Today, the House of Representatives is joining those 
voices. Ukraine's new government is confronting an economic and 
financial crisis brought on by years of mismanagement and corruption by 
previous government officials, and it is doing this while under 
military invasion and economic coercion by neighboring Russia.
  The new government in Kiev cannot succeed without strong and rapid 
support by the international community. Last week, the House acted 
quickly on a loan guarantee provision. This is conditioned on Ukraine's 
undertaking fundamental economic reforms to stabilize its economy.
  Addressing Ukraine's energy security must be part of our response 
here. While the United States recently became the world's largest 
producer of natural gas, Russia is still the largest exporter. Moscow 
freely uses its energy resources to advance its foreign policy goals, 
including by blackmailing countries which are dependent on Russia.
  Russia has repeatedly used its natural gas to pressure Ukraine 
economically and politically. It recently announced that it will 
significantly hike its prices, a deliberate effort to squeeze Ukraine 
in order to worsen its current economic crisis and to control it 
politically.
  Fortunately, we have a readily available option to help counter this 
threat, namely, reducing the current impediments to exports of American 
natural gas to Ukraine. While Vladimir Putin is selling oil and gas 
around the world, we still maintain major restrictions on selling our 
energy to all but a handful of countries.
  We should end these self-imposed sanctions on our energy exports to 
Ukraine. This would undermine Putin's influence. It would bolster our 
allies throughout Europe and create jobs at home.
  I urge all Members to support this important measure, and I reserve 
the balance of my time.


[[Page H2270]]


                                         House of Representatives,


                                   Committee on the Judiciary,

                                    Washington, DC, March 7, 2014.
     Hon. Ed Royce,
     Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs, Rayburn House Office 
         Building, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Royce, I am writing with respect to H. Res. 
     499, ``Condemning the violation of Ukrainian sovereignty, 
     independence, and territorial integrity by military forces of 
     the Russian Federation.'' As a result of your having 
     consulted with us on provisions in H. Res. 499 that fall 
     within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on the 
     Judiciary, I agree to discharge our Committee from further 
     consideration of this resolution that it may proceed 
     expeditiously to the House floor for consideration.
       The Judiciary Committee takes this action with our mutual 
     understanding that by foregoing consideration of H. Res. 499 
     at this time, we do not waive any jurisdiction over subject 
     matter contained in this or similar legislation, and that our 
     Committee will be appropriately consulted and involved as 
     this resolution or similar legislation moves forward so that 
     we may address any remaining issues in our jurisdiction.
       I would appreciate a response to this letter confirming 
     this understanding with respect to H. Res. 499, and would ask 
     that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be 
     included in the Congressional Record during Floor 
     consideration of H. Res. 499.
           Sincerely,
                                                    Bob Goodlatte,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                                 Committee on Foreign Affairs,

                                    Washington, DC, March 7, 2014.
     Hon. Bob Goodlatte,
     Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary, Rayburn House Office 
         Building, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Goodlatte: Thank you for agreeing to be 
     discharged from further consideration of H. Res. 499, 
     condemning the violation of Ukrainian sovereignty, 
     independence, and territorial integrity by military forces of 
     the Russian Federation.
       I agree that your forgoing further action on this measure 
     does not in any way diminish or alter the jurisdiction of the 
     Committee on the Judiciary, or prejudice its jurisdictional 
     prerogatives on this resolution or similar legislation in the 
     future.
       I will seek to place our letters on H. Res. 499 into the 
     Congressional Record during floor consideration of the 
     resolution. I appreciate your cooperation regarding this 
     legislation and look forward to continuing to work with the 
     Committee on the Judiciary as this measure moves through the 
     legislative process.
           Sincerely,
                                                  Edward R. Royce,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                                  Committee on Ways and Means,

                                    Washington, DC, March 7, 2014.
     Hon. Edward R. Royce,
     Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs, Rayburn House Office 
         Building, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Royce: I am writing concerning H. Res. 499, 
     ``Condemning the violation of Ukrainian sovereignty, 
     independence, and territorial integrity by military forces of 
     the Russian Federation,'' which was favorably reported out of 
     your Committee on March 6, 2014.
       As you know, H. Res. 499 has been referred to the Committee 
     on Ways and Means. In order to expedite floor consideration 
     of the resolution, the Committee on Ways and Means will forgo 
     action on H. Res. 499. This is being done with the 
     understanding that it does not in any way prejudice the 
     Committee with respect to the appointment of conferees or its 
     jurisdictional prerogatives on this or similar legislation.
       I would appreciate your response to this letter, confirming 
     this understanding with respect to H. Res. 499, and would ask 
     that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be 
     included in the Congressional Record during Floor 
     consideration.
           Sincerely,
                                                        Dave Camp,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                                 Committee on Foreign Affairs,

                                   Washington, DC, March 10, 2014.
     Hon. Dave Camp,
     Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means, Longworth House Office 
         Building, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Camp: Thank you for agreeing to be discharged 
     from further consideration of H. Res. 499, condemning the 
     violation of Ukrainian sovereignty, independence, and 
     territorial integrity by military forces of the Russian 
     Federation.
       I agree that your forgoing further action on this measure 
     does not in any way diminish or alter the jurisdiction of the 
     Committee on Ways and Means, or prejudice its jurisdictional 
     prerogatives on this resolution or similar legislation in the 
     future.
       I will seek to place our letters on H. Res. 499 into the 
     Congressional Record during floor consideration of the 
     resolution. I appreciate your cooperation regarding this 
     legislation and look forward to continuing to work with the 
     Committee on Ways and Means as this measure moves through the 
     legislative process.
           Sincerely,
                                                  Edward R. Royce,
                                                         Chairman.

                              {time}  1600

  Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself whatever time I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support of H. Res. 
499, a resolution that condemns the recent violation of Ukraine's 
sovereignty and territorial integrity by Russia.
  I want to begin by thanking Chairman Royce for his leadership on this 
issue, as well as Ranking Member Engel, and for their introducing this 
resolution.
  As the ranking member on the Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, and 
Emerging Threats, I, along with Leader Pelosi and Whip Hoyer and my 
colleagues on the Ukrainian Caucus and the Foreign Affairs Committee, 
have watched the developments in Ukraine with concern, particularly 
over the last 9 months.
  Long before the Vilnius Summit and then-President Yanukovych's 
surprise announcement in November that he would not sign an Association 
Agreement with the EU, our administration noted with concern the 
pressure exerted over Ukrainian authorities to act against the 
interests of their own people.
  It began with Russian threats of trade embargo and gas supply cutoffs 
in Ukraine if they signed the Association Agreement.
  After peaceful demonstrators took to the streets in subzero 
temperatures, chilling cold, risking their own well-being in Kiev to 
protest the decision, Russia threatened to withhold billions of dollars 
in promised financial assistance if Yanukovych did not crack down on 
it.
  In mid-February dozens of peaceful protesters were tragically killed 
by Ukrainian special police receiving orders from then-President 
Yanukovych.
  Now, under the most disingenuous of pretexts, Russian President Putin 
has ordered his troops to invade an independent, sovereign country in 
blatant violation of international law. Enough is enough. We must stand 
with the people of Ukraine at this critical moment.
  The people of Ukraine, and the people of all countries in the region, 
and throughout the world for that matter, have the right to determine 
their own future free of pressure, free of threats. As Ukrainians 
attempt to chart out their own course, they should know that the United 
States stands with them and that we are committed to helping them build 
a more democratic, prosperous, secure, and just Ukraine.
  Before I go any further, I would like to commend the administration, 
and in particular Secretary Kerry, Assistant Secretary Nuland, 
Ambassador Pyatt, and the women and men of our Embassy in Kiev, who 
have worked so tirelessly throughout this crisis to support the 
democratic aspirations of Ukrainian people.
  I witnessed them work tirelessly during this effort, not letting 2 
days go by without imploring the leadership in Ukraine to move forward. 
I noticed the Vice President interceding virtually 3 times a week in 
that same effort. So I welcome the administration's initial actions in 
response to Russia's invasion of Crimea, including the announcement of 
an executive order authorizing visa bans and sanctions on individuals 
and entities responsible for activities threatening Ukraine's 
sovereignty and territorial integrity.
  If Russia continues to refuse to pull back troops to its bases, there 
must be further consequences. These consequences must be severe, 
including trade and economic sanctions and expulsion from the G8. This 
resolution puts President Putin on notice that his reckless actions 
will have consequences. It calls on him to accept international 
monitors in Crimea and return his troops to its bases. It makes clear 
our support for meaningful assistance to Ukraine and to Ukraine's 
interim government.
  Therefore, I call on all my colleagues to support this House 
resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from North 
Carolina (Mr. Holding), a member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
  Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I would like to first thank Chairman Royce 
and Ranking Member Engel for their leadership on this issue in the 
Foreign Affairs Committee.
  The situation in Ukraine continues to be grim. Now is the time to 
support

[[Page H2271]]

those who strive for democracy. Included in H. Res. 499 is an amendment 
I offered in committee to strengthen the language expressing the 
support of the House to work with our partners in the Ukraine to 
improve transparency, combat corruption, and protect individual rights 
through an independent judiciary and strong rule of law.
  This resolution, Mr. Speaker, is an important first step, but there 
is more we must do to address Russia's violation of Ukraine's 
sovereignty.
  I hope to work with the chairman and the ranking member to quickly 
pass a strong package of sanctions that targets those responsible for 
the invasion of Crimea and lets Russia know that annexation of Crimea 
or any part of Ukraine is not an option.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would like to yield to the 
gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Levin), a leader and a voice for Ukraine's 
strong move to democracy, a person who is cochair of the Ukrainian 
Caucus and a person who is committed to Ukraine and is one of the 
strongest voices here in the U.S. for that.
  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this important 
resolution supporting the people of Ukraine and condemning the 
violation of Ukrainian sovereignty, territorial integrity, and 
independence by Russia.
  Unified, bipartisan American support is needed now more than ever as 
the Ukrainian people and their freedom are under threat from Russian 
aggression.
  Last week, the House spoke with one voice and took a critical step in 
support of Ukraine by passing a loan guarantee bill. This resolution is 
another positive step.
  Mr. Putin's military incursion into Crimea is a blatant violation of 
Russian obligations under a number of multilateral agreements. It 
demands a strong response, and the administration and Congress have 
responded accordingly.
  In addition to condemning Russia's military occupation to Crimea, 
this resolution supports the Obama administration's efforts to provide 
U.S. and international financial assistance to Ukraine.
  It also supports the administration's work with our European allies 
to impose targeted financial, travel, and trade sanctions on Russian 
officials and institutions responsible for violations of international 
law.
  The Congressional Ukrainian Caucus, which I cochair, has always 
operated in a spirit of bipartisanship with much success. This has been 
especially true since the crisis in Ukraine began, because supporting 
fundamental human rights and democracy in Ukraine and opposing illegal 
efforts by one country to dominate another, all of this should not be 
partisan issues.
  In closing, I urge the House to once again speak with one voice in 
support of Ukraine and pass this resolution.
  Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Michigan for his 
comments.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
Indiana (Mr. Messer).
  Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this important 
bipartisan resolution. I want to commend Chairman Royce and Ranking 
Member Engel for bringing this measure forward.
  The United States has been committed to Ukraine's prosperity and 
sovereignty since it gained independence in 1991. There has never been 
a more critical time to reaffirm this commitment than right now.
  President Putin's unilateral decision to expand Russia's military 
operations in Ukraine was made with the calculation that the world 
would respond with words, not deeds. He was wrong. The world must send 
a clear message to Russia that there will be real consequences for 
these violations of international laws.
  Failure to deter Russia's aggression will embolden President Putin to 
continue seeking illegitimate power and further threaten stability in 
this important region of the world. Just as importantly, failure to act 
would embolden bullies in other areas of the world who are no doubt 
watching.
  This resolution calls for strong action by the United States, such as 
suspending military cooperation with Russia, boycotting the G8 summit, 
and imposing sanctions on those involved in this breach of 
international law. America should also take this opportunity to expand 
energy production and energy exports to send a clear message to 
Ukraine, Russia, and our allies that America will not allow Russia to 
use its energy resources to intimidate the world.
  These actions are necessary to show Russia and the rest of the world 
that the United States will not sit on the sidelines when people are 
being used as political pawns by so-called leaders seeking to enhance 
their own power by the use of force.
  I urge our colleagues to support this important resolution and 
demonstrate to friend and foe alike that America still stands for 
freedom and the ability of people everywhere to determine their own 
destiny, not have that destiny determined for them by threats, 
intimidation, and military might.
  Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, this is important, not just with what the 
resolution says; it is important how we say it as a country. We are 
gathered here today, and it is no surprise in this Chamber that from 
time to time we do not see eye to eye on issues. This important matter 
has brought both sides together, Republican House Members standing 
shoulder to shoulder with Democrats, joining with the other Chamber, 
the Senate, both Democrats and Republicans alike with one voice with 
the administration.
  It was only a few weeks ago that I was in Munich and had the 
opportunity to sit down with Vitali Klitschko, who has been in the 
midst of all this move for democracy, and, tragically, in the midst of 
all the violence and killing that has occurred. He spoke with sincerity 
and passion over what his people are going through right now. He spoke 
about his country's need to be a free people with a rule of law, 
stamping out corruption and moving forward in a democratic fashion. He 
asked that the U.S. speak as well. With this resolution, we have the 
opportunity to speak in one united, loud, determined voice for 
democracy.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, the new Prime Minister of Ukraine will visit Capitol 
Hill tomorrow, and this resolution is a strong show of support in the 
House. It shows we will support the people of Ukraine as they try to 
build a democratic country, a country that is more prosperous, a 
country that is free of illegitimate outside influence. It also sends a 
clear message to the leaders and elites in Russia that annexation of 
territory in a neighboring state will not extend Russia's influence but 
will instead lead to political and economic isolation.
  Let me also speak to the issue of Russia's state-controlled gas 
company, Gazprom.

                              {time}  1615

  They have just threatened to cut off supplies to Ukraine. This is not 
new. In the past, disputes over natural gas supplies and prices and 
debts have resulted in Russia shutting off the pipelines in Ukraine in 
January of 2006 and in January of 2009, not surprisingly, in the middle 
of the winter, when they would inflict the most damage.
  These actions also hit several countries in Europe, which are heavily 
dependent on Russian gas that transits by pipeline through Ukraine. 
Those countries are Hungary, Poland, the Slovak Republic, and Romania. 
This shortfall would reverberate throughout Europe.
  I believe it is very important that we pass this resolution out 
today.
  I continue to reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield to the gentlelady 
from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur), the cochair of the Ukrainian Caucus.
  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for allowing me 
this time.
  I want to commend the committee of jurisdiction for bringing this 
bill before our body in a very timely manner. I am very proud of our 
country, the standard bearer for liberty across this world.
  We as a Congress, in this House in particular, are in the leadership 
role of standing up for people in another sovereign nation who seek to 
have the same freedoms that we enjoy. These freedoms are hard earned.

[[Page H2272]]

  This resolution today, H.R. 499, allows Congress to take the next 
steps to our firm and continued commitment to Ukrainian sovereignty, 
territorial integrity, and democratic advancement so Ukraine can become 
the great borderland nation she is destined to be.
  Additionally, H.R. 499 accompanies H. Res. 447, which this House 
passed on January 29 and on which those of us here on the floor today 
were original cosponsors.
  The Russian Federation's military invasion of Crimea is a clear 
violation of every treaty and agreement to which she is a part, 
including her membership in the United Nations and its 5-member 
permanent Security Council.
  Russia's action is not only a violation of Ukraine's territorial 
integrity, but also the 1994 Budapest Accord and a complete breach of 
obligations under the United Nations charter.
  The United States continues to condemn those violations. We call on 
Russia to immediately withdraw all military forces from Crimea. No two 
nations should shed bloodshed anymore that have the histories of 
Ukraine and Russia.
  We call on the Obama administration and our European allies to impose 
financial, trade, and visa sanctions in increasing severity on those in 
Russia responsible for this travesty.
  I urge my colleagues to fully support House Resolution 499, and I 
wish to thank the Ukrainian Caucus founded by Members here today, 
especially Congressman Sander Levin of Michigan, who has fought at our 
side for so many decades in word and deed for the freedom of Ukraine.
  I want to thank the chairman of the committee, Mr. Ed Royce of 
California, for his continued leadership and vigilance, and Congressman 
 Bill Keating of Massachusetts for allowing me the time today.
  Most Americans and people in the world don't know the full history of 
Ukraine, but no place suffered more in the 20th century than that 
place, through forced starvation of its own people by the then Soviet 
Union, by the Great Terror of elimination of millions of minority 
groups in its borders, by then the invasion of the Nazis and the German 
government a while later.
  Over 14 million people were slaughtered or starved to death or 
assassinated or buried alive inside the boundaries of what we call 
greater Ukraine and Belarus. There is no greater moral obligation for 
the world community than to stand at Ukraine's side now in her fateful 
hour.
  I am so very proud of our country for being a positive force to get a 
diplomatic resolution and a peaceful settlement so the world community 
can muster full strength to stop any further bloodshed. What a shame 
that would be in this 21st century, a century that should be one of 
democratic advancement and liberty for all.
  Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time is 
remaining?
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Massachusetts has 7\1/2\ 
minutes remaining.
  Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I also want to mention that it was just a few weeks ago, also, I met 
with Prime Minister Yatsenyuk, as well. We had time to discuss this 
issue. We had time to, again, recount the valor and courage of those 
people who took the streets and risked their lives.
  It is worthwhile to note that the Prime Minister is in Washington 
this week, and we want to commend him for his efforts and stand beside 
him.
  Mr. Speaker, at this point, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), our minority whip, who has taken this action 
forward, who has spoken so loudly, and has provided great leadership on 
this issue.
  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Chairman Royce for 
bringing this bill to the floor and Ranking Member Engel, and my good 
friend from Massachusetts for his great leadership on this issue.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my strong support for this resolution. 
Hopefully, it will pass unanimously.
  Russian forces continue to occupy Crimea in gross violation of 
international law and binding agreements signed between Ukraine and 
Russia in 1994 and 1997.
  Mr. Speaker, I chaired the Commission on Security and Cooperation in 
Europe from 1985 to 1995. It was an extraordinary era, where the Soviet 
Union crumbled under the weight of its bad economic system and its 
political terrorism. It is starting to rear its ugly head again.
  President Obama and Secretary Kerry have made it very clear--and we 
need to make it very clear--that Russia cannot interfere in Ukraine 
without serious costs; and when I say, ``serious costs,'' I mean 
exactly that, it cannot be empty words. It cannot be ``you ought not 
to.'' It needs to be ``you must not,'' and ``we will not allow.''
  Last week, the President proposed sanctions and travel bans against 
Russian leaders complicit in their military's intrusion into Crimea. If 
Russia were to annex Crimea, those costs would rise. A referendum has 
no legitimacy when there are military forces in the streets.
  In any event, as I said, I chaired the Helsinki Commission. The 
Helsinki Final Act, passed in July of 1975 and signed by President 
Ford, said emphatically and explicitly that borders cannot be changed 
other than by political and peaceful means. Military incursion is not 
an option.
  This resolution will send a powerful message on behalf of the 
American people. The people of Ukraine who want to build a future based 
on democracy and freedom will hear us and be strengthened by our 
support.
  How do I know that? Because Vaclav Havel, the leader of 
Czechoslovakia, a Helsinki Final Act activist, spoke from that podium 
where the President of the United States gives the State of the Union 
and said the Helsinki Final Act made an extraordinary difference.
  Us speaking out will give courage and encouragement.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
  Mr. KEATING. I yield the gentleman an additional minute.
  Mr. HOYER. Those who undermine that project and who threaten 
Ukraine's territorial integrity or its economic activity will hear us 
as well.
  As I understand the 1994 agreement, Great Britain and the United 
States, two of the great powers in this world, said that we would 
protect and come to the aid of Ukraine when they gave up their nuclear 
weapons in consideration, in part, of that representation, made by us 
and made by the Russians.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to 
approve this resolution and send a strong and unmistakable message of 
solidarity with the people of Ukraine and of unity in defense of 
democracy in Ukraine and, indeed, throughout the world.
  Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the right to close.
  Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  In closing, just recounting the fact that so many of us in this 
Chamber have the opportunity to travel, to go to different countries, I 
must say that, each time I go, I will look at different countries, and 
I will look at the fact that there is no strong rule of law, I will 
look at the fact that there are no human rights protections, no 
protections against someone's freedom of religion, freedom of 
association, freedom of speech.
  I come back to this country, and I kiss the ground that we walk on 
and take for granted daily.
  I have looked at what has transpired in this region. I have looked at 
the way that laws were put in place in Ukraine and, fortunately, 
repealed that denied the right to gather together, that denied the 
right to speak up, human rights violations that I found to exist, too, 
in Russia, the country that is moving in such an aggressive manner 
towards Ukraine.

  Since 1991, the United States has strongly supported a democratic, 
prosperous, sovereign Ukraine. In keeping with this commitment, we 
supported a peaceful, negotiated resolution of the recent crisis there 
and as hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian citizens came out in the 
streets of Kiev and throughout Ukraine to express their desire for a 
more democratic and just state, many of them risking their lives, too 
many sacrificing their lives.
  The recent selection of a new interim government signaled that 
Ukraine was back on a path toward stability and political and economic 
health; but instead of gathering here to welcome this event, sadly, we 
are gathered, now, dealing with an international crisis in Crimea.

[[Page H2273]]

  We must support Ukraine's efforts. Their efforts are our efforts. 
Their move for democracy is the staple of our own government.
  I urge the entire membership to join with us, to join with Chairman 
Royce, to join with Ranking Member Engel, and the rest of this House on 
the resolution moving forward.
  With that, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I would like to begin by thanking the gentleman from Massachusetts 
(Mr. Keating) for his work on this resolution, as well as our ranking 
member of the committee, Eliot Engel of New York, and also recognize 
the long, hard work that Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur of Ohio and Mr. 
Gerlach of Pennsylvania have put into their engagement on this issue 
with Ukraine.
  I would also add that, if we do not recognize that Russia is using 
energy as a weapon, we are missing what is really going on in Eastern 
Europe and Central Europe. It was, in part, Ukraine's reliance on 
Russia's energy that pushed the now-deposed Ukraine President 
Yanukovych to abandon the trade deal with the European Union.

                              {time}  1630

  It was that attempt to pressure him, and he was tempted by promises 
of discounts on natural gas. He was pressured by the threat of turning 
off the valve on that gas. He was pressured to turn toward Russia 
instead of to the European Union. We believe that Ukraine should have 
the right to trade with Russia and with the European Union--to trade 
east and west and north to Poland and south to Moldova. This should be 
the decision of the Ukrainian people.
  I believe the administration must do far more to isolate Russia 
diplomatically than it has to date and that the Treasury Department 
should also make clear that the U.S. is on the lookout for Russian 
enterprises, especially banks, that are involved in illicit activities 
such as the transfer of stolen Ukrainian assets.
  We must remember that the purpose of our pressure on Russia is not 
simply to punish aggression and certainly not to escalate the 
confrontation but, instead, to move Putin toward a resolution that 
protects the independence and the territorial integrity of Ukraine. 
That is the goal that all of us share, and I urge all Members to 
support H. Res. 499 and to stand with the people of Ukraine.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak about the escalating 
situation in Ukraine. Russia's military occupation of Crimea is a 
blatant violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, 
and a breach of international law. The United States and our allies 
must support the Ukrainian people and use all diplomatic and economic 
options available to address Russia's dangerous actions and unprovoked 
aggression. That is why I strongly support H. Res. 499, a resolution 
stating that Russia must immediately withdraw its military from 
Ukraine, adhere to international law and respect Ukrainian sovereignty.
  The people of Ukraine must be able to exercise their sovereign, 
democratic right to decide their own future without interference or 
intimidation from Russia. As a member of the Congressional Ukrainian 
Caucus, I will continue working with my colleagues to explore options--
including banking sanctions, visa bans and freezing assets of 
officials--to move President Putin toward a peaceful resolution that 
ends this crisis and protects Ukraine's rights and borders.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Royce) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 499, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. ROYCE. 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, further 
proceedings on this motion will be postponed.

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