[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 143 (Wednesday, September 21, 2016)]
[House]
[Pages H5782-H5787]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                STABILITY AND DEMOCRACY FOR UKRAINE ACT

  Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill 
(H.R. 5094) to contain, reverse, and deter Russian aggression in 
Ukraine, to assist Ukraine's democratic transition, and for other 
purposes, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 5094

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE AND TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Stability 
     and Democracy for Ukraine Act'' or ``STAND for Ukraine Act''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act 
     is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title and table of contents.
Sec. 2. Statements of policy.

               TITLE I--CRIMEA ANNEXATION NON-RECOGNITION

Sec. 101. United States policy against recognition of territorial 
              changes effected by force alone.
Sec. 102. Prohibitions against United States recognition of the Russian 
              Federation's annexation of Crimea.
Sec. 103. Determinations and codification of sanctions under Executive 
              Order 13685.

                     TITLE II--SANCTIONS PROVISIONS

Sec. 201. Prohibiting certain transactions with foreign sanctions 
              evaders and serious human rights abusers with respect to 
              the Russian Federation.
Sec. 202. Report on certain foreign financial institutions.
Sec. 203. Requirements relating to transfers of defense articles and 
              defense services to the Russian Federation.

                        TITLE III--OTHER MATTERS

Sec. 301. Strategy to respond to Russian Federation-supported 
              information and propaganda efforts directed toward 
              Russian-speaking communities in countries bordering the 
              Russian Federation.
Sec. 302. Cost limitation.
Sec. 303. Sunset.

     SEC. 2. STATEMENTS OF POLICY.

       (a) In General.--It is the policy of the United States to 
     further assist the Government of Ukraine in restoring its 
     sovereignty and territorial integrity to contain, reverse, 
     and deter Russian aggression in Ukraine. That policy shall be 
     carried into effect, among other things, through a 
     comprehensive effort, in coordination with allies and 
     partners of the United States where appropriate, that 
     includes sanctions, diplomacy, and assistance, including 
     lethal defensive weapons systems, for the people of Ukraine 
     intended to enhance their ability to consolidate a rule of 
     law-based democracy with a free market economy and to 
     exercise their right under international law to self-defense.
       (b) Additional Statement of Policy.--It is further the 
     policy of the United States--
       (1) to use its voice, vote, and influence in international 
     fora to encourage others to provide assistance that is 
     similar to assistance described in subsection (a) to Ukraine; 
     and
       (2) to ensure that any relevant sanctions relief for the 
     Russian Federation is contingent on timely, complete, and 
     verifiable implementation of the Minsk Agreements, especially 
     the restoration of Ukraine's control of the entirety of its 
     eastern border with the Russian Federation in the conflict 
     zone.

               TITLE I--CRIMEA ANNEXATION NON-RECOGNITION

     SEC. 101. UNITED STATES POLICY AGAINST RECOGNITION OF 
                   TERRITORIAL CHANGES EFFECTED BY FORCE ALONE.

       Between the years of 1940 and 1991, the United States did 
     not recognize the forcible incorporation and annexation of 
     the three Baltic States of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia 
     into the Soviet Union under a policy known as the ``Stimson 
     Doctrine''.

     SEC. 102. PROHIBITIONS AGAINST UNITED STATES RECOGNITION OF 
                   THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION'S ANNEXATION OF CRIMEA.

       (a) In General.--In accordance with United States policy 
     enumerated in section 101, no Federal department or agency 
     should take any action or extend any assistance that 
     recognizes or implies any recognition of the de jure or de 
     facto sovereignty of the Russian Federation over Crimea, its 
     airspace, or its territorial waters.
       (b) Documents Portraying Crimea as Part of Russian 
     Federation.--In accordance with United States policy 
     enumerated in section 101, the Government Printing Office 
     should not print any map, document, record, or other paper of 
     the United States portraying or otherwise indicating Crimea 
     as part of the territory of the Russian Federation.

     SEC. 103. DETERMINATIONS AND CODIFICATION OF SANCTIONS UNDER 
                   EXECUTIVE ORDER 13685.

       (a) Determinations.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the President shall submit to the 
     appropriate congressional committees a report that contains 
     the assessment described in paragraph (2).
       (2) Assessment described.--The assessment described in this 
     paragraph is--
       (A) a review of each person designated pursuant to 
     Executive Order 13660 (March 6, 2014; 79 Fed. Reg. 13493; 
     relating to blocking property of certain persons contributing 
     to the situation in Ukraine) or Executive Order 13661 (March 
     16, 2014; 79 Fed. Reg. 15535; relating to blocking property 
     of additional persons contributing to the situation in 
     Ukraine); and
       (B) a determination as to whether any such person meets the 
     criteria for designation pursuant to Executive Order 13685 
     (December 19, 2014; 79 Fed. Reg. 77357; relating to blocking 
     property of certain persons and prohibiting certain 
     transactions with respect to the Crimea region of Ukraine).
       (3) Form.--The assessment required by paragraph (2) shall 
     be submitted in unclassified form but may contain a 
     classified annex.
       (b) Codification.--United States sanctions provided for in 
     Executive Order 13685, as in effect on the day before the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, shall remain in effect 
     until the date on which the President submits to the 
     appropriate congressional committees a certification 
     described in subsection (c).
       (c) Certification.--A certification described in this 
     subsection is a certification of the President that Ukraine's 
     sovereignty over Crimea has been restored.
       (d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
     construed to restrict the authority of the President to 
     impose additional United States sanctions with specific 
     respect to the Russian Federation's occupation of Crimea 
     pursuant to Executive Order 13685.
       (e) Appropriate Congressional Committees.--In this section, 
     the term ``appropriate congressional committees'' means--
       (1) the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on 
     Financial Services, and the Committee on Ways and Means of 
     the House of Representatives; and
       (2) Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on 
     Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate.

[[Page H5783]]

  


                     TITLE II--SANCTIONS PROVISIONS

     SEC. 201. PROHIBITING CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS WITH FOREIGN 
                   SANCTIONS EVADERS AND SERIOUS HUMAN RIGHTS 
                   ABUSERS WITH RESPECT TO THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION.

       The Support for the Sovereignty, Integrity, Democracy, and 
     Economic Stability of Ukraine Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-95; 
     22 U.S.C. 8901 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following new sections:

     ``SEC. 10. PROHIBITING CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS WITH FOREIGN 
                   SANCTIONS EVADERS WITH RESPECT TO THE RUSSIAN 
                   FEDERATION.

       ``(a) In General.--The President is authorized to impose 
     with respect to a foreign person the sanctions described in 
     subsection (b) if the President determines that the foreign 
     person knowingly--
       ``(1) has materially violated, attempted to violate, 
     conspired to violate, or caused a violation of any license, 
     order, regulation, or prohibition contained in, or issued 
     pursuant to any covered Executive order; or
       ``(2) has facilitated significant deceptive or structured 
     transactions for or on behalf of any person subject to United 
     States sanctions concerning the Russian Federation.
       ``(b) Sanctions Described.--
       ``(1) In general.--The sanctions described in this 
     subsection are the exercise of all powers granted to the 
     President by the International Emergency Economic Powers Act 
     (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) to the extent necessary to block and 
     prohibit all transactions in all property and interests in 
     property of a person determined by the President to be 
     subject to subsection (a) if such property and interests in 
     property are in the United States, come within the United 
     States, or are or come within the possession or control of a 
     United States person.
       ``(2) Penalties.--A person that is subject to sanctions 
     described in paragraph (1) shall be subject to the penalties 
     set forth in subsections (b) and (c) of section 206 of the 
     International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1705) 
     to the same extent as a person that commits an unlawful act 
     described in subsection (a) of that section.
       ``(c) Waiver.--The President may waive the application of 
     sanctions under subsection (b) on a case-by-case for a period 
     of not more than 120 days, and may renew that waiver for 
     additional periods of not more than 120 days with respect to 
     a person if the President determines that such a waiver is in 
     the national interests of the United States and on or before 
     the date on which the waiver takes effect, submits to the 
     appropriate congressional committees a notice of and 
     justification for the waiver.
       ``(d) Implementation Authority.--The President may exercise 
     all authorities provided to the President under sections 203 
     and 205 of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act 
     (50 U.S.C. 1702 and 1704) for purposes of carrying out this 
     section.
       ``(e) Regulatory Authority.--The President shall issue such 
     regulations, licenses, and orders as are necessary to carry 
     out this section.
       ``(f) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term 
     `appropriate congressional committees' means--
       ``(A) the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on 
     Financial Services, and the Committee on Ways and Means of 
     the House of Representatives; and
       ``(B) Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on 
     Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate.
       ``(2) Covered executive order.--The term `covered Executive 
     order' means any of the following:
       ``(A) Executive Order 13660 (March 6, 2014; 79 Fed. Reg. 
     13493; relating to blocking property of certain persons 
     contributing to the situation in Ukraine).
       ``(B) Executive Order 13661 (March 16, 2014; 79 Fed. Reg. 
     15535; relating to blocking property of additional persons 
     contributing to the situation in Ukraine).
       ``(C) Executive Order 13685 (December 19, 2014; 79 Fed. 
     Reg. 77357; relating to blocking property of certain persons 
     and prohibiting certain transactions with respect to the 
     Crimea region of Ukraine).
       ``(3) Foreign person.--The term `foreign person' has the 
     meaning given such term in section 595.304 of title 31, Code 
     of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of the 
     enactment of this Act.
       ``(4) Structured.--The term `structured', with respect to a 
     transaction, has the meaning given the term `structure' in 
     paragraph (xx) of section 1010.100 of title 31, Code of 
     Federal Regulations.
       ``(5) United states person.--The term `United States 
     person' has the meaning given such term in section 589.312 of 
     title 31, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the 
     date of the enactment of this Act.

     ``SEC. 11. PROHIBITING CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS IN AREAS 
                   CONTROLLED BY THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION.

       ``(a) In General.--The President is authorized to impose 
     with respect to a foreign person the sanctions described in 
     subsection (b) if the President determines that the foreign 
     person, based on credible information--
       ``(1) is responsible for, complicit in, or responsible for 
     ordering, controlling, or otherwise directing, the commission 
     of serious human rights abuses in any territory forcibly 
     occupied or otherwise controlled by the Government of the 
     Russian Federation;
       ``(2) has materially assisted, sponsored, or provided 
     financial, material, or technological support for, or goods 
     or services to, a foreign person that is responsible for, 
     complicit in, or responsible for ordering, controlling, or 
     otherwise directing, the commission of serious human rights 
     abuses in any territory forcibly occupied or otherwise 
     controlled by the Government of the Russian Federation; or
       ``(3) is owned or controlled by a foreign person, or has 
     acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or 
     indirectly, a foreign person, that is responsible for, 
     complicit in, or responsible for ordering, controlling, or 
     otherwise directing, the commission of serious human rights 
     abuses in any territory forcibly occupied or otherwise 
     controlled by the Government of the Russian Federation.
       ``(b) Sanctions Described.--
       ``(1) In general.--The sanctions described in this 
     subsection are the exercise of all powers granted to the 
     President by the International Emergency Economic Powers Act 
     (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.), without regard to section 202 of 
     such Act, to the extent necessary to block and prohibit all 
     transactions in all property and interests in property of a 
     person determined by the President to be subject to 
     subsection (a) if such property and interests in property are 
     in the United States, come within the United States, or are 
     or come within the possession or control of a United States 
     person.
       ``(2) Penalties.--A person that is subject to sanctions 
     described in paragraph (1) shall be subject to the penalties 
     set forth in subsections (b) and (c) of section 206 of the 
     International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1705) 
     to the same extent as a person that commits an unlawful act 
     described in subsection (a) of that section.
       ``(c) Waiver.--The President may waive the application of 
     sanctions under subsection (b) on a case-by-case for a period 
     of not more than 120 days, and may renew that waiver for 
     additional periods of not more than 120 days with respect to 
     a person if the President determines that such a waiver is in 
     the national interests of the United States and on or before 
     the date on which the waiver takes effect, submits to the 
     appropriate congressional committees a notice of and 
     justification for the waiver.
       ``(d) Implementation Authority.--The President may exercise 
     all authorities provided to the President under sections 203 
     and 205 of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act 
     (50 U.S.C. 1702 and 1704) for purposes of carrying out this 
     section.
       ``(e) Regulatory Authority.--The President shall issue such 
     regulations, licenses, and orders as are necessary to carry 
     out this section.
       ``(f) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term 
     `appropriate congressional committees' means--
       ``(A) the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on 
     Financial Services, and the Committee on Ways and Means of 
     the House of Representatives; and
       ``(B) Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on 
     Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate.
       ``(2) Foreign person.--The term `foreign person' has the 
     meaning given such term in section 595.304 of title 31, Code 
     of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of enactment 
     of this section.
       ``(3) United states person.--The term `United States 
     person' has the meaning given such term in section 589.312 of 
     title 31, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the 
     date of enactment of this section.''.

     SEC. 202. REPORT ON CERTAIN FOREIGN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS.

       The Support for the Sovereignty, Integrity, Democracy, and 
     Economic Stability of Ukraine Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-95; 
     22 U.S.C. 8901 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 
     11 (as added by section 201 of this Act) the following new 
     section:

     ``SEC. 12. REPORT ON CERTAIN FOREIGN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS.

       ``(a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this section, the Secretary of State and the 
     Secretary of the Treasury shall jointly submit to the 
     appropriate congressional committees a report on--
       ``(1) foreign financial institutions that are in direct 
     control of assets owned or controlled by the Government of 
     Ukraine in a manner determined by the Secretary of State and 
     the Secretary of the Treasury to be in violation of the 
     sovereignty, independence, or territorial integrity of 
     Ukraine;
       ``(2) foreign financial institutions that are directly or 
     indirectly assisting or otherwise aiding the violation of 
     sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of 
     Ukraine; and
       ``(3) foreign financial institutions determined by the 
     Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury to be 
     complicit in illicit financial activity, including money 
     laundering, financing of terrorism, transnational organized 
     crime, or misappropriation of state assets, that are--
       ``(A) organized under the laws of the Russian Federation; 
     or
       ``(B) owned or controlled by a foreign person whose 
     property or interests in property have been blocked pursuant 
     to any covered Executive order.
       ``(b) Form.--The report required to be submitted under this 
     subsection shall be submitted in unclassified form but may 
     include a classified annex.
       ``(c) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term 
     `appropriate congressional committees' means--

[[Page H5784]]

       ``(A) the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on 
     Financial Services, the Committee on Ways and Means, and the 
     Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives; 
     and
       ``(B) Committee on Foreign Relations, the Committee on 
     Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, and the Committee on the 
     Judiciary of the Senate.
       ``(2) Covered executive order.--The term `covered Executive 
     order' has the meaning given the term in section 10(f) of 
     this Act.''.

     SEC. 203. REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO TRANSFERS OF DEFENSE 
                   ARTICLES AND DEFENSE SERVICES TO THE RUSSIAN 
                   FEDERATION.

       (a) Statement of Policy.--It is the policy of the United 
     States to oppose the transfer of defense articles and defense 
     services from any country that is a member of the North 
     Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to, or on behalf of, the 
     Russian Federation, during any period in which the Russian 
     Federation forcibly occupies the territory of Ukraine or of a 
     NATO member country.
       (b) Adoption of Nato Policy.--The President shall use the 
     voice, vote, and influence of the United States in NATO to 
     seek the adoption of a policy by NATO that is consistent with 
     the policy of the United States specified in subsection (a).
       (c) Monitoring and Identification of Transfers.--
       (1) In general.--The President shall direct the heads of 
     the appropriate departments and agencies of the United States 
     to identify those transfers of defense articles and defense 
     services described in subsection (a) that are contrary to the 
     policy of the United States specified in subsection (a).
       (2) Report.--
       (A) In general.--The President shall submit a written 
     report to the chairmen and ranking members of the appropriate 
     committees of Congress within 5 days of the receipt of 
     information indicating that a transfer described in paragraph 
     (1) has occurred.
       (B) Form.--The report required under subparagraph (A) shall 
     be submitted in unclassified form but may include a 
     classified annex.
       (d) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term 
     ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
       (A) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on 
     Foreign Affairs, and the Permanent Select Committee on 
     Intelligence of the House of Representatives; and
       (B) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on 
     Foreign Relations, and the Select Committee on Intelligence 
     of the Senate.
       (2) Defense articles and defense services.--The terms 
     ``defense article'' and ``defense service'' have the meanings 
     given such terms in section 47 of the Arms Export Control Act 
     (22 U.S.C. 2794 note).

                        TITLE III--OTHER MATTERS

     SEC. 301. STRATEGY TO RESPOND TO RUSSIAN FEDERATION-SUPPORTED 
                   INFORMATION AND PROPAGANDA EFFORTS DIRECTED 
                   TOWARD RUSSIAN-SPEAKING COMMUNITIES IN 
                   COUNTRIES BORDERING THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 60 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall 
     develop and implement a strategy to respond to Russian 
     Federation-supported dis-information and propaganda efforts 
     directed toward persons in countries bordering the Russian 
     Federation.
       (b) Matters to Be Included.--The strategy required under 
     subsection (a) should include the following:
       (1) Development of a response to propaganda and dis-
     information campaigns as an element of the ongoing crisis in 
     Ukraine, specifically--
       (A) assistance in building the capacity of the Ukrainian 
     military to document conflict zones and disseminate 
     information in real-time;
       (B) assistance in enhancing broadcast capacity with 
     terrestrial television transmitters in Eastern Ukraine; and
       (C) media training for officials of the Government of 
     Ukraine.
       (2) Establishment of a partnership with partner governments 
     and private-sector entities to provide Russian-language 
     entertainment and news content to broadcasters in Russian-
     speaking communities bordering the Russian Federation.
       (3) Assessment of the extent of Russian Federation 
     influence in political parties, financial institutions, media 
     organizations, and other entities seeking to exert political 
     influence and sway public opinion in favor of Russian 
     Federation policy across Europe.
       (c) Report.--The Secretary of State shall submit to the 
     appropriate congressional committees a report on the strategy 
     required under subsection (a) and its implementation.
       (d) Appropriate Congressional Committees.--In this section, 
     the term ``appropriate congressional committees'' means--
       (1) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on 
     Armed Services of the House of Representatives; and
       (2) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on 
     Armed Services of the Senate.

     SEC. 302. COST LIMITATION.

       No additional funds are authorized to carry out the 
     requirements of this Act and the amendments made by this Act. 
     Such requirements shall be carried out using amounts 
     otherwise authorized.

     SEC. 303. SUNSET.

       This Act and the amendments made by this Act shall cease to 
     be effective beginning on the date that is 5 years after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act.

  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 on this measure.
  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, the people of Ukraine have struggled against great odds 
to defend their freedom and ensure their national existence. It is a 
tortured history.
  One of the Members who is on the floor today, Eliot Engel, who was in 
Ukraine with me, his family, grandparents, all four of them came from 
Ukraine. Together we saw some of the evidence of that history in a 
gorge in Ukraine where so many Jewish Ukrainians were slaughtered. It 
is a reminder. The Holocaust and the other deprivations, the famine 
that Ukrainians lived through, are a reminder of the perils to the 
people in that country.
  For several years, Vladimir Putin has employed all of the tools at 
his command to dominate that country, and that includes arming 
separatists in the east where almost 10,000 people have lost their 
lives in the fighting. It includes annexing Crimea, and the latest 
effort to legitimize his aggression was to include Crimea in Russia's 
parliamentary elections held last Sunday. These were a sham, and the 
delegates represent no one but the rulers in Moscow.
  The administration cannot allow Putin to believe that U.S. opposition 
to his aggression is weakening. Instead, the U.S. and its allies and 
partners in Europe must step up their pressure against Moscow, 
including providing the lethal assistance needed to stop Russian tanks, 
that the Ukrainians have repeatedly asked for. Their primary concern is 
to be able to check that armor in the east.
  This legislation strengthens the sanctions imposed on Russia as well. 
It is a clear demonstration that the U.S. remains committed to 
supporting the Ukrainian peoples' unyielding defense of their freedom 
and their national existence.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

                                         House of Representatives,


                                  Committee on Ways and Means,

                               Washington, DC, September 15, 2016.
     Hon. Edward R. Royce,
     Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs, Rayburn House Office 
         Building, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Royce, I am writing with respect to H.R. 
     5094, the ``Stability and Democracy for Ukraine Act,'' on 
     which the Committee on Ways and Means was granted an 
     additional referral.
       In order to allow H.R. 5094 to move expeditiously to the 
     House floor, I agree to waive formal consideration of this 
     bill. The Committee on Ways and Means takes this action with 
     the mutual understanding that by forgoing formal 
     consideration of H.R. 5094, we do not waive any jurisdiction 
     over the subject matter contained in this or similar 
     legislation, and the Committee will be appropriately 
     consulted and involved as the bill or similar legislation 
     moves forward so that we may address any remaining issues 
     that fall within our Rule X jurisdiction. The Committee also 
     reserves the right to seek appointment of an appropriate 
     number of conferees to any House-Senate conference involving 
     this or similar legislation, and requests your support for 
     such request.
       Finally, I would appreciate your response to this letter 
     confirming this understanding, and would ask that a copy of 
     our exchange of letters on this matter be included in the 
     Congressional Record during floor consideration thereof.
           Sincerely,
                                                      Kevin Brady,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                                 Committee on foreign Affairs,

                              Washington, DC., September 15, 2016.
     Hon. Kevin Brady,
     Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means, Longworth House Office 
         Building, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Brady: Thank you for consulting with the 
     Foreign Affairs Committee and agreeing to be discharged from 
     further

[[Page H5785]]

     consideration of H.R. 5094, the STAND for Ukraine Act, so 
     that the bill may proceed expeditiously to the House floor.
       I agree that your forgoing further action on this measure 
     does not in any way diminish or alter the jurisdiction of 
     your committee, or prejudice its jurisdictional prerogatives 
     on this resolution or similar legislation in the future. I 
     would support your effort to seek appointment of an 
     appropriate number of conferees from your committee to any 
     House-Senate conference on this legislation.
       I will seek to place our letters on H.R. 5094 into the 
     Congressional Record during floor consideration of the 
     resolution. I appreciate your cooperation regarding this 
     legislation and look forward to continuing to work together 
     as this measure moves through the legislative process.
           Sincerely,
                                                  Edward R. Royce,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                              Committee on Financial Services,

                               Washington, DC, September 16, 2016.
     Hon. Ed Royce,
     Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Royce: I am writing concerning H.R. 5094, the 
     ``STAND for Ukraine Act.''
       As a result of your having consulted with the Committee on 
     Financial Services concerning provisions in the bill that 
     fall within our Rule X jurisdiction, I agree to forgo action 
     on the bill so that it may proceed expeditiously to the House 
     Floor. The Committee on Financial Services takes this action 
     with our mutual understanding that, by foregoing 
     consideration of H.R. 5094 at this time, we do not waive any 
     jurisdiction over the subject matter contained in this or 
     similar legislation, and that our Committee will be 
     appropriately consulted and involved as this or similar 
     legislation moves forward so that we may address any 
     remaining issues that fall within our Rule X jurisdiction. 
     Our Committee also reserves the right to seek appointment of 
     an appropriate number of conferees to any House-Senate 
     conference involving this or similar legislation, and 
     requests your support for any such request.
       Finally, I would ask that a copy of our exchange of letters 
     on this matter be included in the Congressional Record during 
     floor consideration of the legislation.
           Sincerely,
                                                   Jeb Hensarling,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                                 Committee on Foreign Affairs,

                               Washington, DC, September 15, 2016.
     Hon. Jeb Hensarling,
     Chairman, Committee on Financial Services, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Hensarling: Thank you for consulting with the 
     Foreign Affairs Committee and agreeing to be discharged from 
     further consideration of H.R. 5094, the STAND for Ukraine 
     Act, so that the bill may proceed expeditiously to the House 
     floor.
       I agree that your forgoing further action on this measure 
     does not in any way diminish or alter the jurisdiction of 
     your committee, or prejudice its jurisdictional prerogatives 
     on this resolution or similar legislation in the future. I 
     would support your effort to seek appointment of an 
     appropriate number of conferees from your committee to any 
     House-Senate conference on this legislation.
       I will seek to place our letters on H.R. 5094 into the 
     Congressional Record during floor consideration of the 
     resolution. I appreciate your cooperation regarding this 
     legislation and look forward to continuing to work together 
     as this measure moves through the legislative process.
           Sincerely,
                                                  Edward R. Royce,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                                   Committee on the Judiciary,

                               Washington, DC, September 16, 2016.
     Hon. Edward R. Royce,
     Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Royce: I write with respect to H.R. 5094, the 
     ``STAND for Ukraine Act,'' which was referred to the 
     Committee on Foreign Affairs and in addition to the Committee 
     on the Judiciary among others. As a result of your having 
     consulted with us on provisions within H.R. 5094 that fall 
     within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on the 
     Judiciary, I agree to discharge our committee from further 
     consideration of this bill so 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.R. 5094 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 bill or similar legislation moves forward so that we may 
     address any remaining issues in our jurisdiction. Our 
     committee also reserves the right to seek appointment of an 
     appropriate number of conferees to any House-Senate 
     conference involving this or similar legislation and asks 
     that you support any such request.
       I would appreciate a response to this letter confirming 
     this understanding with respect to H.R. 5094 and would ask 
     that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be 
     included in your committee report and in the Congressional 
     Record during floor consideration of H.R. 5094.
           Sincerely,
                                                    Bob Goodlatte,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                                 Committee on Foreign Affairs,

                               Washington, DC, September 15, 2016.
     Hon. Bob Goodlatte,
     Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Goodlatte: Thank you for consulting with the 
     Foreign Affairs Committee and agreeing to be discharged from 
     further consideration of H.R. 5094, the STAND for Ukraine 
     Act, so that the bill may proceed expeditiously to the House 
     floor.
       I agree that your forgoing further action on this measure 
     does not in any way diminish or alter the jurisdiction of 
     your committee, or prejudice its jurisdictional prerogatives 
     on this resolution or similar legislation in the future. I 
     would support your effort to seek appointment of an 
     appropriate number of conferees from your committee to any 
     House-Senate conference on this legislation.
       I will seek to place our letters on RR. 5094 into the 
     Congressional Record during floor consideration of the 
     resolution. I appreciate your cooperation regarding this 
     legislation and look forward to continuing to work together 
     as this measure moves through the legislative process.
           Sincerely,
                                                  Edward R. Royce,
                                                         Chairman.

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill. Let me, first of all, 
thank our chairman, Ed Royce, for helping advance this bill. I 
introduced this bill in April along with the gentleman from Illinois 
(Mr. Kinzinger). I am proud to say we now have 36 additional 
cosponsors, both Democrats and Republicans.
  Mr. Speaker, we shouldn't kid ourselves about the intentions of 
Russia's President, Vladimir Putin. Inside his own borders, he has 
stripped away the rights of Russia's citizens. He has silenced a free 
and open press. He has stolen countless billions and spread the wealth 
around to his cronies. And in the wake of a sham election that boosted 
his party's majority, it is being reported that he wants to breathe new 
life into the KGB.
  His record abroad is more of the same. He has trampled his neighbors' 
sovereignty, worked to undermine NATO and Western unity, and posed a 
real threat to America's work and the work of our friends over the past 
seven decades to build a Europe that is whole, free, and at peace.
  Perhaps most egregious is Russia's ongoing illegal occupation of 
Crimea and parts of eastern Ukraine. Russia recently renewed its attack 
on Ukraine's sovereignty by holding parliamentary elections for the 
duma in Crimea. It is just outrageous, as the chairman mentioned. The 
United States will never recognize these claims, just as we never 
recognized Soviet control of the Baltic States during the 50-year 
occupation there.
  My legislation underscores America's support for Ukraine's right to 
defend itself, and it keeps pressure on Russia so long as Russia's 
criminal behavior in Ukraine continues. This bill says that if Russia 
wants to see sanctions relief, it must abide by its Minsk Agreement 
obligations, namely, if Ukraine controls the entirety of its eastern 
border. It makes Crimea-related sanctions permanent so long as the 
Russian occupation there continues. It tightens sanctions enforcement 
with the new anti-evasion framework, and it requires reporting on banks 
illegally controlling Ukrainian assets, particularly Russian banks in 
Crimea.
  This bill also takes steps to make it harder for Russia to buy 
defense equipment or services from our NATO allies. It goes after human 
rights abusers in Russian-occupied areas, and it calls for a 
comprehensive strategy from our own government to push back against 
Russian propaganda. The people of Ukraine need to know the United 
States stands with them. This Government of Ukraine is the most pro-
Western government they have ever had. We need to help them. Vladimir 
Putin needs to know that his reckless ambition won't go unanswered.
  The gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell) had to leave, but he 
submitted testimony. He strongly supports this bill and everything that 
the chairman and I are saying this evening. I ask that all Members 
support this bill.

[[Page H5786]]

  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from South 
Carolina (Mr. Sanford).
  Mr. SANFORD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman. I just want to come 
to applaud both the chairman and the ranking member for their work on 
this important measure.
  I think this bill is incredibly important because, in the simplest of 
forms, conflicting signals never work with regard to foreign policy. 
Some people have said that the Korean war was, in many cases, in large 
measure created based on a void as to uncertainty as to what the 
American Government would or wouldn't do in the event that North Korea 
was attacked by South Korea. I think you can look at a long host of 
different examples that point to the simple fact that conflicting 
signals are never a good signal when it comes to foreign policy.
  I just want to thank the gentlemen for their resolution and to stress 
its importance. I think if we learned anything in the days leading up 
to World War II, with the actions of Neville Chamberlain, it is that 
appeasement doesn't work and that unchecked aggression always creates 
problems.
  I think this is about sending a clear message to the Russians, but it 
ultimately sends a message to more than just the Russians. This is, as 
well, about a message to the Chinese in the South China Sea or other 
parts around the globe. In that regard, I think that this bill is 
ultimately about things that are ultimately much bigger than Ukraine 
and Russia.
  Let me give you two examples. One, this is about reminding our allies 
and even ourselves that, for sovereignty to mean anything, a border has 
to mean something. That means a border can't be porous. It means that a 
border can't be regulated and controlled by whoever your biggest and 
strongest neighbor is in the region.
  I would say, secondly, that this is about what it means to be an 
American ally. I think that the Budapest Memorandum was unequivocally 
clear that, if you give up nuclear arms, we will do certain things in 
terms of your security.
  So the question that we now have to ask as Americans, and I think 
what this bill ultimately does so forcefully is to say: What does that 
mean and what are we going to do about it? Indeed, that is the 
question.
  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to 
close.
  Let me say before I close that Mr. Sanford was absolutely right in 
what he just said. The fact is that Ukraine, which was part of the 
Soviet Union, gave up its nuclear weapons when the Soviet Union 
collapsed. As a result, they were given assurances that they would not 
have aggression perpetrated against them; and, of course, like other 
promises made by Mr. Putin, that fell by the wayside. I agree with the 
gentleman from South Carolina. I think he is absolutely right on the 
money. I thank him for his remarks.
  Mr. Speaker, we have no shortage of crises smoldering around the 
world, but we cannot take our eye off what is happening in Ukraine and 
the threat that Russia poses. NATO is being tested. Western democracy 
is being called into question. The progress we have made since the cold 
war is at risk.
  Even if the administration is trying to work with Russia on other 
issues, we need to be clear-eyed when Vladimir Putin flouts 
international law and threatens the security of Europe. This bill would 
say plainly that no matter what happens in other parts of the world, if 
Russia continues to illegally occupy parts of Ukraine, Russia will pay 
a price.
  I am pleased that the House is acting on my bill. I want to again 
thank Chairman Royce for being a partner with me and helping with this 
bill. I ask that all Members support it.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. 
Engel), the ranking member.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, as an original sponsor of the STAND for 
Ukraine Act and a Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, I rise 
in support of this important measure. This bill codifies and tightens 
existing U.S. sanctions on Russia for its violation of Ukraine's 
territorial integrity, including its illegal annexation of Crimea.
  In passing this measure, I join my colleagues in making a strong 
statement that the United States stands with the people of Ukraine. 
Earlier this month, we celebrated the 25th anniversary of Ukraine's 
independence. It is the Ukraine people's will for a free, democratic, 
and sovereign country that is the underlying impetus for change and 
international support.
  I believe we have a duty to stand behind democratic nations such as 
Ukraine against foreign aggression, and it is in our national interest 
to have an ally who shares our values. The STAND for Ukraine Act takes 
a meaningful step in helping Ukraine defend against foreign aggression. 
At the same time, we must continue our work in helping Ukraine develop 
the rule of law, root out corruption, and bring about economic 
prosperity.
  I support the STAND for Ukraine Act, and urge my colleagues to do the 
same.
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the 
STAND for Ukraine Act. I'd like to thank my good friend and colleague 
Mr. Engel for introducing this legislation, which aims to solidify U.S. 
support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, under assault by the 
Russian government since 2014.
   Last weekend Russian-occupied Crimea took part in Russia's 
parliamentary elections for the first time since Russia took over the 
peninsula in 2014. In the judgment of OSCE election observers, the 
elections took place in an environment marked by ``restrictions to 
fundamental freedoms and political rights, firmly controlled media and 
a tightening grip on civil society. . . .'' In timely response, this 
legislation solidifies the U.S. commitment to the territorial integrity 
of Ukraine.
   The administration has applied various sanctions to Russia. In its 
leading provisions, this bill will give the sanctions created by 
executive orders the permanence of statutory law--until Ukraine's 
sovereignty over Crimea is fully restored. These sanctions relate to 
blocking property of certain persons contributing to the situation in 
Ukraine. In addition, the bill provides that no federal agency shall 
take any action or extend any assistance that recognizes Russian 
sovereignty over Crimea.
   Mr. Speaker, the Russian government's invasion of Ukraine, and 
particularly its land grab in Crimea--its forcible, illegal attempt to 
incorporate that peninsula into Russia--violated the core principles of 
several bilateral and multilateral agreements and treaties, including 
all ten of the core principles of the Helsinki Final Act.
   In July I led the U.S. delegation to the OSCE Parliamentary 
Assembly, which met this year in Tbilisi. Russian parliamentarians 
continually sought to undermine, and even demean and provoke the 
Ukrainian delegation. Mr. Speaker, our delegation provided strong and 
constant support for the Ukrainians. In the words of this bill's policy 
statement, we used our ``voice, vote, and influence in international 
fora to encourage others to provide assistance'' to Ukraine, 
particularly to restore its sovereignty and territorial integrity. In 
my own speeches, I focused on the issue of Crimea, and on the sharply 
declining human rights situation there.
   Russian ``anti-extremism'' laws have been used to criminalize 
opposition and stifle free speech. The majority of victims have been 
Crimean Tatars and ethnic Ukrainians, who have been subject to 
killings, kidnappings, torture, harassment and intimidation.
   I urge my House colleagues to support this measure that will ensure 
the United States' non-recognition of Russia's illegal occupation, 
solidify and sharpen sanctions against Russia over Crimea, and support 
the full territorial integrity of Ukraine.
  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to stand in solidarity with 
my brothers and sisters in Ukraine by urging my colleagues to swiftly 
pass the STAND for Ukraine Act.
  Nearly two and a half years ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin 
undermined Ukrainian sovereignty when the Russians began illegally 
occupying Crimea.
  This act emboldened him to double down on bullying his neighbors, 
testing the resolve of NATO and trying to fracture Western unity.
  His disrespect for global order knows no bounds. That is why the 
United States must reiterate to the world that it will not tolerate 
Russia's aggression.
  While some misguided people have said that ``Putin is not going into 
Crimea,'' this bill makes it perfectly clear: Russia's illegal 
occupation of Crimea will not be tolerated by the United States.
  We must hold Russia accountable for its disrespect for global order 
and continued violations of international law.
  That is why I am a strong supporter and cosponsor of the STAND for 
Ukraine Act, which tightens sanctions on Russia and rejects any form of 
recognition of Russian rule over Crimea.
  Mr. Speaker, I hope this bill will become law quickly so we can make 
sure that President Putin knows the United States stands with our ally 
Ukraine.

[[Page H5787]]

  

  Mr. KINZINGER of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of 
H.R. 5094.
  Ukraine continues to face significant challenges from Russian 
meddling and aggression. We in Congress are under no illusions when 
seeing Vladimir Putin's true intentions for Ukraine.
  Vladimir Putin and Russia are tearing Europe apart. Russian-backed 
separatists continue their shelling of Ukrainian military positions in 
Donetsk and Donbass, which in some cases has killed civilians.
  Additionally, Vladimir Putin and Russia are delivering bombs on 
medical facilities and on children in Syria. Further proof that they 
are no ally of ours.
  Rather than continuing to negotiate with Putin, we need to stand up 
to him. The best way to push back against Russia is to give the 
Ukrainians what they need to defend their sovereign territory, such as 
lethal weaponry to counter the Russian-backed ``little green men.''
  This important bill does a number of things to continue to show 
American support for Ukraine, while also putting additional pressure on 
Russia for its continued violation of Ukraine's territorial 
sovereignty.
  Most importantly, this bill states that the United States will never 
recognize Russian sovereignty over Crimea, which it illegally annexed 
in 2014.
  This bill would also enhance our sanctions regime on Russia for its 
ongoing illegal and destabilizing activities against Ukraine.
  In our history, we have always seen the impact that our nation has on 
others when we stand up and help them achieve a better tomorrow. It is 
imperative that we continue to help Ukraine achieve that better future 
for its citizens.
  Mr. Speaker, I was proud to work with Congressman Eliot Engel to 
introduce this critical bill. By reaffirming U.S. support for Ukraine's 
self-defense, emphasizing that we never have nor will recognize 
Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea, and by holding Russia 
accountable for its continued violation of Ukraine's sovereignty, we 
will `Stand with Ukraine' legislatively and most effectively.
  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 pass the bill, H.R. 5094, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________