[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 153 (Tuesday, October 20, 2015)]
[House]
[Pages H7007-H7009]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
{time} 1700
SUPPORTING THE PEOPLE OF UKRAINE TO FREELY ELECT THEIR GOVERNMENT
Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
resolution (H. Res. 348) supporting the right of the people of Ukraine
to freely elect their government and determine their future, as
amended.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 348
Whereas after President Yanukovych had fled Kyiv, Russian
President Vladimir Putin ordered the forcible and illegal
occupation of Crimea in March 2014;
Whereas Russian-led separatists have forcibly seized large
areas of Ukraine and continue their attacks on Ukraine's
forces;
Whereas the Russian Federation has continued to engage in
relentless political, economic, and military aggression to
subvert the independence and violate the territorial
integrity of Ukraine;
Whereas the United States has supported the democratically
elected Government of Ukraine, which represents the will of
the people of Ukraine, and Congress has passed multiple
pieces of legislation to provide support to Ukraine;
Whereas Congress passed the Sovereignty, Integrity,
Democracy, and Economic Stability of Ukraine Act of 2014
(Public Law 113-95), which authorized loan guarantees for the
Government of Ukraine;
Whereas Congress passed the Ukraine Freedom Support Act of
2014 (Public Law 113-272), which authorized the
Administration to provide Ukraine's Government with support
to facilitate necessary reforms, and stated that it is United
States policy to assist the Government of Ukraine in
restoring its sovereignty and territorial integrity;
Whereas in September 2014, a cease-fire agreement was
brokered between Ukraine, Russia, and Russian-led
separatists, but the agreement was never fully implemented;
Whereas in February 2015, an additional cease-fire, known
as the Minsk Implementation Agreement or Minsk 2, was agreed
upon;
Whereas the United States has assisted in many elections
around the world, including Ukraine's Presidential election
in May 25, 2014, to ensure that international election
standards are upheld;
Whereas early parliamentary elections were held on October
26, 2014, but 29 of the 450 seats in parliament were not
filled due to the inability to hold elections in areas
controlled by separatists;
Whereas, despite the disenfranchisement of people living in
separatist-controlled areas, international election observers
declared the parliamentary elections in the rest of the
country to have met international standards;
Whereas Ukraine and Russia are participating States of the
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and party
to its commitments, including the 1990 Copenhagen Document
which states that States ``will respect each other's right
freely to choose and develop, in accordance with
international human rights standards, their political,
social, economic and cultural systems'' and that ``free
elections that will be held at reasonable intervals by secret
ballot or by equivalent free voting procedure, under
conditions which ensure in practice the free expression of
the opinion of the electors in the choice of their
representatives'';
Whereas the next local elections are scheduled to take
place in Ukraine on October 25, 2015;
Whereas these elections are critical to continued
legislative and constitutional reform in Ukraine;
Whereas the Russian-led separatists in eastern Ukraine
continue to refuse to implement Ukrainian law and to permit
Ukrainian authorities to conduct elections in the areas they
control and have therefore made free and fair elections in
those areas impossible;
Whereas Ukraine's government has therefore been forced to
postpone the local elections in those areas; and
Whereas the United States is supporting efforts to promote
citizen engagement in the constitutional reform process,
educating voters, and election monitoring: Now, therefore, be
it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) strongly supports the right of the people of Ukraine to
freely elect their government and determine their future;
(2) urges the Administration to expedite assistance to
Ukraine to facilitate the political, economic, and social
reforms necessary for free and fair elections that meet
international standards; and
(3) condemns attempts on the part of outside forces,
specifically the Government of Russia, its agents and
supporters, to interfere in Ukraine's elections, including
through intimidation, violence, or coercion.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
California (Mr. Royce) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel) 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 to
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, almost 2 years after the conflict in Ukraine began,
Russian aggression there remains almost a daily regular occurrence. The
fighting has taken over 8,000 Ukrainian lives, and that number is
growing as Russia continues to provide weapons and support to
separatists in eastern Ukraine.
Last year, along with Ranking Member Eliot Engel and several other
members of the Foreign Affairs Committee--there were eight of us, as I
recall, including the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Cicilline), who
is the author of this resolution before us today--we traveled to
Ukraine to see the situation on the ground. We traveled to Kyiv and we
traveled to Dnepropetrovsk in the east, and we spoke with local
officials. We spoke with representatives from civil society, women's
groups, lawyers' groups, local government, different minority groups, a
broad range of individuals--leaders of the Tatar community, leaders of
the Jewish community there, and even former supporters of President
Yanukovych, among many, many others.
We heard that same message from everyone, namely, that they were
committed to building a peaceful, united Ukraine that is free to
determine its own future, and that they want to do it without outside
interference.
Now there is a new effort to bring peace to this war-torn region
under the so-called Minsk agreements. These specify a number of
measures that must be implemented by all sides, one of which is to hold
local elections by the end of this year. The Ukrainian Government has
scheduled these for October 25, which is this Sunday.
Unfortunately, they cannot be held in the areas controlled by
Russian-led separatists because intimidation and manipulation make free
and fair elections impossible in these regions. But they will take
place in the rest of the country where independent observers will
ensure that they meet international standards, and this is to be
welcomed.
Their hoped-for success will be a real-world demonstration that
Ukraine is continuing to implement the democratic reforms that
Ukrainian people are determined to bring peace into their country with.
I urge my colleagues to vote for this bipartisan resolution and
reaffirm that America's commitment to Ukraine's independence and to the
right of the Ukrainian people to determine their own future is strong
and it is enduring.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I rise in support of this measure.
First of all, I want to thank Mr. Cicilline for drafting this
resolution. With its passage, we will again be signaling that the
United States stands
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with the people of Ukraine, that we want them to chart the future for
their own country, and that we reject the aggression and unlawfulness
of Russia's actions under President Putin.
Let me also thank our chairman, Ed Royce. The hallmark of the Foreign
Affairs Committee is our success in advancing good, bipartisan
legislation, and this resolution is a prime example of business as
usual for our committee. I am very proud of it.
Our interest in Ukraine is nothing new. Over the past year, our
committee has focused a great deal on this crisis. We have passed
legislation aimed at assisting Ukraine. We want to see a successful
democratic transition, we want Ukraine's territorial integrity to be
restored, and we want to deter Russia from further aggression.
The cease-fire in Ukraine finally seems to be holding. That is good
news, but I still have deep concerns.
First of all, while the upcoming elections are important, not all of
Ukraine's citizens will have their voices heard. Only areas under
Kyiv's control will be casting ballots--and Russia has a history of
sticking its nose in Ukraine's elections. Putin has said that he won't
interfere with this vote. But I am not holding my breath, nor should
anyone else.
So we will be looking for some specific benchmarks. For instance, the
agreement in Minsk requires that elections in Donetsk and Luhansk be
held after Russia draws down its forces there. Not just Russian
personnel, but all military equipment, all mercenaries, all support for
proxies must be out of these areas before elections. It is critical
that the OSCE mount a full-scale observation mission and be permitted
to monitor every stage of the process. We will be keeping a close eye
on this as well.
Yet, even if Minsk is followed to the letter--a cease-fire, followed
by elections, followed by restoration of Kyiv's control over its own
eastern border--the international order will remain compromised. This
agreement does not address Crimea, nor does it hold the force of
international law.
And as much as we talk about Minsk, we shouldn't forget prior and far
more important agreements, such as the Helsinki Final Act and the
Budapest Memorandum, which reaffirmed the core principle of the Final
Act: that the territorial integrity of states is inviolable.
Ukraine was part of the former Soviet Union; and when the Soviet
Union collapsed, Ukraine gave up its nuclear weapons. As part of giving
that up, Ukraine was guaranteed its territorial integrity--guaranteed
by the United States, by Russia, and by others. Certainly they are
being betrayed right now, and we should not stand for it.
Lastly, we should have no illusions that this agreement will deter
President Putin's aggression. Indeed, as Moscow dials up its
intervention in the Middle East in Syria, Ukraine is looking more and
more like just one element of a much larger scheme by President Putin
to destabilize countries on Russia's borders. That is what Putin wants
to do. He wants to keep Ukraine unstable and destabilized.
So, with this resolution, we reaffirm our support for Ukraine, we
express our hope that Minsk will keep the peace, and we make clear that
we are keeping a watchful eye on Russia and that we are ready to
continue assisting Ukraine to consolidate its democratic gains and
restore its territorial integrity.
Ukraine wants to be democratic. Ukraine wants to look toward the
West. Ukraine does not want to be dominated by Russia. We should give
them all the support that they deserve. That is what the United States
does, that is what the United States is all about, and that is what
this resolution does. I urge my colleagues to support this measure.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, it is now my pleasure to yield 3 minutes to
the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Cicilline), the author of this
resolution.
Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
I rise to support H. Res. 348, supporting free elections in Ukraine.
I want to thank Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel for their
strong support and cosponsorship of this legislation, which I was proud
to introduce and which affirms Congress' unwavering support for free
elections in Ukraine. I thank my many colleagues on both sides of the
aisle who have signed on as cosponsors and contributed to the final
language of the bill.
Support of the democratic and economic development of Ukraine in the
face of Russian aggression remains one of the most vital efforts the
United States can undertake to combat Russian belligerence and
demonstrates our unwavering commitment to promoting democracy and human
rights around the world.
Next week--next Sunday, in fact--the people of Ukraine will head to
the polls to exercise their right to choose their own government.
However, because of the continued defiance of Russian-led separatists,
not every region of Ukraine will be able to participate in these
elections.
The illegal and forcible occupation of Crimea and the ongoing Russian
support for separatists in eastern Ukraine are a clear violation of
international law and diplomacy. The Minsk II agreement was a historic
step toward potentially ending the violence and unrest in the country,
and it is now upon the Governments of Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. and
our European allies as implementing partners to ensure its successful
execution. The existing cease-fire is a positive development, but one
that must be accompanied by free elections and restoration of Ukraine's
territorial integrity.
Ukraine has local elections scheduled for most of the country--except
some separatist-controlled areas--for this Sunday, October 25. This
resolution demonstrates this Congress' steadfast commitment to
supporting the right of the people of Ukraine to freely elect their
government and determine their future. It condemns any Russian attempts
to interfere in Ukraine's elections in any way, including through
intimidation, violence, or coercion. During Ukraine's last elections,
these tactics were used to prevent Ukrainians from voting in certain
regions. This cannot happen again, and any actions undermining these
elections must be met with swift and uncertain international
condemnation.
At this delicate juncture in Ukraine's history, it is essential that
the United States and our European allies continue to demonstrate firm
support for Ukrainian territorial integrity, sovereignty, and the right
of Ukrainian people to participate in free and fair elections. America
has a long history of supporting free and fair elections and the right
of people to decide their own future.
This resolution was passed by the Committee on Foreign Affairs with
overwhelming bipartisan support, and I urge my colleagues to support
its passage today.
Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from
Virginia (Mr. Connolly).
Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend from New York and,
of course, the distinguished chairman of the committee.
I rise in support of H. Res. 348. The people of Ukraine have the
right to hold free and fair elections within the sovereign territory of
their own country. The ruthless tyranny of Russian military aggression
in Ukraine must end, and we must never agree to a settlement that even
hints to President Vladimir Putin that the borders of Europe are up for
sale.
The resolution notes: the forcible and illegal occupation of Crimea.
The United States must make it clear in both our words and our deeds
that Crimea is within the sovereign territory of Ukraine, and we will
not recognize its forcible and illegal annexation by Russia--ever. This
resolution is clear on that account, and I thank the author, Mr.
Cicilline, for it.
The Senate and House of Representatives recently passed the fiscal
year 2016 National Defense Authorization Act conference report. That
text included an amendment I authored to prohibit the authorization of
funds to be obligated or expended in order to implement any activity
that could be construed as recognizing the sovereignty of the Russian
Federation over Ukraine's Crimea. Crimea is not
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an issue we can allow to fade into the background--ever. As the
resolution notes in just its second clause, this was Putin's original
sin in Ukraine.
If we are to deter, Mr. Speaker, further Russian separatist and
revanchist moves in eastern Ukraine, we must never yield on Crimea.
Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
In closing, once again, I want to voice my strong support for this
resolution. I again thank Mr. Cicilline for authoring this measure and
his leadership, and I thank our chairman once again.
Even with a cease-fire in place, the crisis in Ukraine is a major
threat to the international order. The United States stands with the
people of Ukraine as they try to chart the path forward for their
country and restore their territorial integrity. So long as President
Putin's aggression continues, we need to stay focused on this serious
challenge. I urge my colleagues to support this measure.
I yield back the balance of my time.
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Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, in closing, let me again thank Eliot Engel, along with
Mr. Cicilline and Mr. Connolly--cosponsors of this resolution with
myself and other members of that committee--but mention in particular
the decision we made to go as far east in Ukraine as we could. We
traveled to the border of Luhansk and Donetsk, actually, because
Dnipropetrovsk was where we flew in. To the south is Donetsk. To the
east is Luhansk.
One of the great advantages of having with us the ranking member--an
individual who knows the country well and knows the people well, Mr.
Eliot Engel--is the fact that both of his grandparents on his mother's
side are from Ukraine and both of his grandparents on his father's side
are from Ukraine.
It is a reminder to us of the long struggle, the long, ardent effort,
for independence, for some modicum of freedom, that the people of
Ukraine have struggled for all of these years, a dream that finally
seemed realized; and now, in the wake of that, you have the occupation
of the eastern and southern parts of the country.
I think it is a reminder to all of us of how we can be surprised on
the world stage. The United States, in my opinion, could do more in
this particular case to end the aggression. As people told us in
Dnipropetrovsk--and we were there, actually. We had a service in the
synagogue where Mr. Engel spoke during Passover. People asked us in
each of these groups--the city council, the governor, the women's
groups, the different civil society groups--they said: We can handle
the fact that every skin-headed malcontent that Putin can recruit, that
he radicalizes, and he trains--then they send them here, and we capture
them, and we hold them in our brig until the end of hostilities--but
what is a real challenge is the Russian armor, that Russian equipment
out there. We can't match that. We need anti-tank missiles.
Now, anti-tank weapons is what they have asked for. Many of us in
Congress, myself included, have asked that we more forcefully oppose
Russian aggression by giving those people on those frontlines the
armaments they need to defend themselves, and the House has gone on
record as taking this position.
I think it would be a deterrent against Russian aggression that has
brought so much suffering, and my hope is that, as we go forward, we
convince the administration as well.
The local elections scheduled for this Sunday are a concrete example
that Ukrainians are determined to do all that they can to achieve peace
throughout the entirety of that country. By overwhelmingly adopting
this bipartisan resolution, I believe the House will send a clear
message to the Ukrainian people that the United States remains
committed to their right to have Ukrainians choose their own government
and choose their own destiny.
I want to thank the gentleman from Rhode Island for authoring this
particular bill, and I urge its passage.
I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 348 to
support the right of the people of Ukraine to freely elect their
government and determine their future, which was introduced by my
friend, Representative David Cicilline.
Citizens everywhere should be afforded the right to freely choose
their leaders--and the people of Ukraine are no different. It is
imperative that the American people stand with Ukrainians to ensure
that the future of their government is determined freely and fairly.
Russian troops began an illegal occupation of Crimea following the
resignation of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych in March 2014. In
spite of economic sanctions, diplomatic efforts and successive
ceasefires, we have tragically seen over 6,500 people killed in eastern
Ukraine since Russia annexed Crimea. Russia's continued violations of
the Minsk agreement by ignoring the ceasefire is simply unacceptable.
Their actions betray their previous commitments and have derailed good
faith efforts to de-escalate the crisis in Ukraine. Russia's continued
military aggression in Ukraine threatens peace and security in the
region. Russia's aggression has also hindered the electoral process and
disenfranchised voters in the troubled region. I support Ukraine's
right to determine their own future, protect their territorial
integrity and we must do all we can to prevent the slaughter of
innocent lives.
Mrs. LAWRENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to encourage the passage of
H. Res. 348, supporting the right of Ukrainian citizens to freely elect
their officials and determine their future. I would like to emphasize
the importance of protecting democracy around the world. In 2015, it is
essential that we ensure people at home and abroad are able to elect
their government representatives by exercising this basic right.
This issue is of particular importance to me as the Congressional
Representative for the 14th District of Michigan, which is home to a
large population of women and minorities who fought hard to gain the
right to vote. This year marked the 50th anniversary of the Voting
Rights Act, which is of critical importance in protecting every
citizen's right to participate in free and fair elections. However,
fair elections are also vital to democracies across the globe.
Therefore, we must act appropriately when those rights are infringed
upon.
This resolution demonstrates the federal government's commitment to
protect Ukraine's critical elections. Ukraine's next local elections
are scheduled to take place on October 25, 2015 and are essential for
the continuation of legislative and constitutional reform. We cannot
allow Russia or other outside forces to interfere with Ukraine's
elections, especially through intimidation, violence, or coercion. By
supporting the right of the people of Ukraine to freely elect their
government and have a say in their future, we are working toward
ensuring all people around the world benefit from these basic yet
profoundly critical rights.
I am grateful that our chamber is continuing with our legacy of
safeguarding democracy. I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of
the aisle for supporting America's commitment to defending these
important freedoms around the world.
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. 348, 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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