[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 121 (Wednesday, July 18, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1028]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             PUNISHING CONTINUED OCCUPATION OF UKRAINE ACT

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                            HON. STEVE COHEN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 18, 2018

  Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a bill sanctioning 
Russia for its continued occupation of Ukraine. This bill sends a 
strong signal by going after Russian financial institutions, which are 
one of the few soft areas of Russian President Vladimir Putin's 
underbelly.
   On February 27, 2014, Russia invaded and occupied Ukraine's Crimea 
region. Russia continues to ignore the Minsk Agreement and sanctions to 
date have failed to alter President Putin's calculations regarding 
Crimea and eastern Ukraine.
   Putin's regime relies on several large financial institutions to 
implement its policies and keep the regime afloat. That is why I am 
introducing a bill to impose sanctions on Russian financial 
institutions.
   Russia's continued occupation of Ukraine is intolerable and 
continued aggression and violation of international norms is 
unacceptable. Congress must use every tool available to change 
President Vladimir Putin's behavior.
   I want to urge my colleagues to pass this important bill.

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