[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 142 (Tuesday, September 20, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1313]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              H. RES. 660

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM KINZINGER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 20, 2016

  Mr. KINZINGER of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of 
this resolution. Eight years ago this summer, Russia violated the 
sovereignty of our key ally in the Caucasus: the Republic of Georgia.
  It seems that nothing has changed with Russian behavior as South 
Ossetia and Abkhazia are still under Russian occupation as a result of 
its military aggression. As we are seeing around other areas of Eastern 
Europe, particularly Ukraine, there is no end to the belligerence of 
Vladimir Putin.
  The development of Georgian democracy has served as a powerful 
example to the region and has drawn a stark contrast with a revanchist 
and increasingly authoritarian Russia.
  It is critical that the United States continues to stand with its 
democratic allies in the region in order to thwart further aggression 
from a ruthless dictator like Putin.
  That's why Congress must send this strong message: we will never 
recognize the occupation of Georgia and we will continue to urge Russia 
to immediately withdraw from South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be a cosponsor of this legislation, and I 
urge my colleagues to join me in voting for this important resolution.

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