[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 146 (Tuesday, September 27, 2016)]
[House]
[Page H5920]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              ENCOURAGING SUPPORT FOR REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Weber) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to introduce a 
resolution encouraging United States' support for strengthening 
democratic institutions and anticorruption efforts in the Republic of 
Moldova.
  America and its allies are under renewed attack by an aggressive 
Russia that continues to employ Soviet-style political and economic 
warfare.
  Mr. Speaker, they are sewing discord and dissent whenever and 
wherever the opportunity presents itself. Without a doubt, Russia has 
set its sights on the front-line states of Eastern Europe.
  One such particularly vulnerable state is the Republic of Moldova. 
Moldova's strategic location between Russia and Ukraine makes its 
loyalty to the West increasingly significant.
  Also extremely problematic is the fact that Russia continues to 
violate borders and meddle in others' internal affairs. In 2014, nearly 
$1 billion, with a B, or 12 percent of Moldova's GDP was stolen from 
three major Moldovan Government banks. This banking scandal required 
the active involvement of a number of oligarchs and elected officials. 
Current members of the Moldovan Government recently exposed just how 
susceptible Moldova is to the Russian evil empire influence, as I call 
it.
  This ``crime of the century'' not only touches financial 
institutions, Mr. Speaker, that are the world over, but it also 
exemplifies a systematic pattern of the Russian bear's efforts to 
undermine the rule of law and empower local agents willing to do its 
bidding. There is no question that Eastern Europe is at the center of a 
geopolitical struggle that has consequences for Atlantic security for 
many generations to come.
  As the U.S. considers policies to counter the Russian bear's growing 
sphere of influence in Eastern and Southern Europe, as well as beyond 
the continent, we must not overlook the importance of a series of small 
countries that hang in the balance for our near- and long-term 
geopolitical goals.
  American support for the rule of law, economic freedoms, 
transparency, and anticorruption initiatives in Moldova, and its 
neighborhood, at this pivotal time in history will unquestionably pay 
dividends for years to come.
  We must also be considerate, Mr. Speaker, of just exactly what 
precedents we set today. Russian hegemony will not succeed if we help 
our allies in the East and their efforts to conduct free and fair 
elections.
  Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues in the House to join 
me in supporting Moldova's efforts to rid themselves of Russia's 
corrupt and antidemocratic antics and influence. Please join me in 
efforts to add transparency and fortification to democratic and civil 
institutions within our ally and friend, the Republic of Moldova.
  Mr. Speaker, you know I am right.

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