[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 195 (Tuesday, December 11, 2018)]
[House]
[Pages H10075-H10077]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WITH RESPECT TO 
                                UKRAINE

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree 
to the resolution (H. Res. 1162) expressing the sense of the House of 
Representatives with respect to Ukraine, and for other purposes.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 1162

       Whereas the United States is committed to supporting 
     international norms and agreements governing the peaceful 
     relations between countries;
       Whereas the Russian Federation has repeatedly violated 
     international norms and agreements by its continuing 
     aggression against Ukraine, including directing and arming 
     separatist forces in eastern Ukraine and forcibly occupying 
     and illegally annexing the Ukrainian territory of Crimea;
       Whereas the Russian Federation continues to foment conflict 
     in Ukraine in order to undermine the Ukrainian Government and 
     economy;
       Whereas these actions have caused tremendous suffering for 
     the Ukrainian people, with thousands of Ukrainians killed 
     both in battle and in their homes, and hundreds of thousands 
     made refugees;
       Whereas the Russian Federation continues to deny any 
     responsibility for the destruction of Malaysian Airlines 
     flight 17 over Ukraine, which killed 298 innocent civilians;
       Whereas the Russian Federation has continuously failed to 
     meet its commitments under the Minsk II agreement;
       Whereas the United States and its allies and partners 
     around the world continue to support the Ukrainian people in 
     their efforts to strengthen their government, economy, and 
     military in order to bring peace and prosperity to their 
     country and to the surrounding region;
       Whereas the United States and its allies and partners 
     around the world have imposed punitive sanctions and other 
     measures against the Russian Federation for its continued 
     aggression against Ukraine, including its occupation of 
     Crimea;
       Whereas the Russian Federation continues to expand its 
     aggression against Ukraine, including militarization of the 
     Azov Sea and blockading the Kerch Strait in contravention of 
     international norms and agreements;
       Whereas, on November 25, 2018, the Russian Federation fired 
     upon and rammed Ukrainian vessels attempting to pass through 
     the Kerch Strait and seized the Ukrainian vessels and their 
     crews: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) condemns the Russian Federation's firing upon, ramming, 
     and seizing Ukrainian vessels and crews attempting to pass 
     through the Kerch Strait on November 25, 2018, as violations 
     of binding international norms and agreements;
       (2) calls on the Russian Federation to immediately return 
     the Ukrainian vessels and their crews to Ukraine;
       (3) calls on the Russian Federation to cease its violation 
     of Ukraine's sovereignty and its efforts to prevent Ukrainian 
     vessels from transiting the Kerch Strait, as is Ukraine's 
     right under international norms and agreements;
       (4) reaffirms the United States commitment to provide the 
     people of Ukraine with political, economic, and security 
     assistance to enable them to secure their independence, 
     democracy, and prosperity; and
       (5) encourages the President and allies and partners of the 
     United States to hold the Russian Federation accountable for 
     its ongoing aggression against Ukraine.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Florida.


                             General Leave

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members 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 
gentlewoman from Florida?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Royce and esteemed Ranking 
Member Engel for their swift action in putting this important and 
timely resolution together in support of the people of Ukraine.
  For far too long, we have witnessed Putin's increased aggression 
against Ukraine, directing and arming separatist forces on Ukraine soil 
and forcibly occupying and annexing the Ukrainian territory of Crimea.
  More recently, Russian forces were firing upon, ramming, and seizing 
Ukrainian vessels and crews attempting to pass through the Kerch 
Strait, in clear violation of international norms and agreements.
  The 2014 destruction of Malaysia Airlines flight 17 that killed close 
to 300 people also demonstrated the threat to civilians in this 
conflict. Until this day, Putin continues to deny any responsibility 
for that heinous act. Meanwhile, thousands of Ukrainians continue to be 
killed fighting for their basic freedoms that we as Americans hold 
dear, while hundreds of thousands flee looking for a safe haven.
  Mr. Speaker, Putin's actions are simply unacceptable, and the United 
States and our allies must stand strong against Russia. That is why 
this resolution is so important. We must make it clear that we truly 
support the people of Ukraine and their aspirations for a free and 
democratic society.
  For that, it is crucial that the United States provides the kind of 
assistance--politically, militarily, and economically--that will allow 
Ukraine to fight Russia's increasing coercion. We must also use all of 
the tools at our disposal, because these are not isolated issues, to 
ensure that Putin and his regime pay a heavy price for Russia's 
aggression.
  Through this resolution and other measures, we can demonstrate to 
Putin and the world that we are paying close attention, that we will 
continue to support the people of Ukraine and do what is necessary to 
protect Ukraine and other countries threatened by his imperial 
ambitions, and to ensure that they can live in peace and live in 
security.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this measure to condemn 
Putin's despotic rule, and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this measure.
  Let me start by thanking Chairman Royce for bringing this measure 
forward. He and I introduced this resolution a few weeks ago after the 
latest flare-up of Russian aggression in Ukraine.
  I also want to thank the gentlewoman from Florida, who has always, 
through the years, time and time again, been standing up with us for 
what is right and really showing a great moral compass.
  I am glad that, as we wrap up this Congress and as Chairman Royce 
wraps up a distinguished career as a Member of the House, we are again 
working together, working across the aisle with a bipartisan commitment 
to American leadership and American values. That has been the hallmark 
of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the 6 years Mr. Royce has been 
chairman and I have been ranking member. I am grateful that we are 
going out of this Congress on the same, positive, good note.
  Mr. Speaker, this measure is another opportunity for the House to go 
on record condemning the aggressive and destructive behavior of Russia 
under Vladimir Putin. Russia had shredded international norms and laws 
with its illegal occupation of Crimea, its violent campaign in eastern 
Ukraine, the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight 17, and Russia's 
ceaseless shirking of its obligations under the Minsk II peace 
agreement, all at a cost of thousands of lives.
  Most recently, Russia has blockaded the Kerch Strait and militarized 
the Sea of Azov. A few weeks ago, Russian forces fired on Ukrainian 
vessels attempting to pass through the strait, ultimately seizing the 
vessels and their crews as well.
  What is remarkable about this latest action, Mr. Speaker, is just how 
brazen it is. Typically, Putin has always made sure that there is some 
veil of deniability over his dirty work so that he can say up is down 
and cast blame somewhere else.
  But this time, Russian forces are operating out in the open. It is 
almost as though Putin thinks he can turn the international order on 
its head and there won't be any consequences. I cannot imagine where he 
got that idea.
  My measure that we are now considering says that Russia's latest 
aggression cannot stand. It calls upon the

[[Page H10076]]

Kremlin to immediately return the captured vessels and crews and to end 
its violation of Ukrainian sovereignty. It reaffirms our support for 
Ukrainian independence, democracy, and prosperity, and it calls on the 
Trump administration to hold Russia accountable, to make sure there 
will be consequences for this sort of behavior.
  We hope the administration hears us and acts accordingly, and we hope 
the people of Ukraine and the thugs running Russia hear us and know 
that Congress won't stay silent in the face of Moscow's outrageous 
behavior.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from 
Michigan (Mr. Levin), who has been a Member of this House for many 
years and has done wonderful work.
  (Mr. LEVIN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)

                              {time}  1600

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I will start first by applauding the 
leadership of this committee: Mr. Royce, who has worked so hard, and 
the gentlewoman from Florida.
  We went to Bosnia together some years ago, and they have worked so 
closely with Mr. Engel. I think it really demonstrates what can be done 
when people work together.
  The Congressional Ukraine Caucus cochairs--Representatives Marcy 
Kaptur,  Andy Harris, Brian Fitzpatrick, and I--issued this statement 
rebuking the Russian Federation's aggressive attack on Ukraine near the 
Kerch Strait in the Sea of Azov: ``As cochairs of the Congressional 
Ukraine Caucus, we strongly condemn Russia's dangerous naval assault on 
Ukrainian ships. This episode, as well as Russia's blockade of 
Ukrainian ports, is a deeply disturbing sign of continued Russian 
aggression in its efforts to tighten its bloody grip and illegitimate 
occupation of the Crimean peninsula.
  ``We join the international committee and our NATO allies in resolute 
affirmation of the fact that Crimea and its surrounding waters belong 
to Ukraine. We call on Russian authorities, in accordance with 
international law, to cease any and all interference with access to 
Ukrainian ports and the Azov Sea. Russia must end this bloody and 
unjust occupation of Ukrainian sovereign territory.''
  I was in Ukraine at the time of the Russian attack. I was at meetings 
where the President of Ukraine spoke out clearly against the Russian 
action on behalf of the people of Ukraine. He also spoke out on what 
was the main aim of Russia's military actions: to undermine Ukraine's 
efforts to build democracy.
  Today, there is a dangerous tilt to authoritarianism in many places 
around the world. This makes Ukraine's struggle to resist aggression, 
safeguard its independence, and develop democracy all the more 
important.
  Ukraine has witnessed firsthand that the challenges of democracy are 
not easily overcome. That makes it all the more important to overcome 
the threats to democracy, such as injustice and corruption.
  The United States must support Ukraine in its efforts. We must deepen 
our determination to help the fight for freedom and democracy, never 
making heroes out of dictators. That is what this resolution is all 
about. May it pass unanimously.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Engel and thank my pal from Florida for 
their work.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to 
the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce), who is our esteemed chairman 
of our Foreign Affairs Committee.
  Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, last month's Russian attack on 
Ukrainian vessels attempting to pass through the Kerch Strait is a 
dramatic reminder of Vladimir Putin's continued aggression. This was 
not an isolated incident. Russia has opened a new front in the Sea of 
Azov, where it is attempting to choke off Ukrainian imports and exports 
and greatly undermine Ukraine's economy.
  This is a dangerous escalation. In the past, Moscow has attempted to 
disguise its armed intervention in Ukraine by claiming that its troops 
and weapons in the eastern regions belong to the separatist entities 
there.
  Now let me share with you, Mr. Speaker, the reality that, in the 
east, there is Russian armor. Eliot Engel and I traveled to 
Dnipropetrovsk in the east, in the Russian-speaking east of Ukraine, 
with a delegation of four Republicans and four Democrats. We traveled 
in order to talk to those who were trying to deal with the fact that 
Russian military was rolling over provinces in Ukraine. But now Russia 
is openly using its own military against Ukraine in the territory of 
Crimea that it has illegally occupied and annexed. They are using the 
fleet.
  The United States and its allies and partners must hold Russia 
accountable. Failure to do so may be interpreted by Moscow as a green 
light to go even further, a miscalculation that could result in a 
dangerous military escalation.
  This resolution sends two messages. The first is to the Ukrainian 
people, to demonstrate that we remain committed in assisting them in 
their fight for freedom. The second, of course, is to Moscow, to make 
clear that the U.S. will oppose Russian aggression whenever it occurs.
  I urge the President to ensure, by his words and actions, that Moscow 
understands the potential consequences of its actions and the 
commitment of the United States to the freedom, sovereignty, and 
independence of Ukraine.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I am worried that Vladimir Putin 
is becoming emboldened because he has faced no real consequences for 
his ongoing violations of international law. I am glad we are 
considering this resolution today, saying that he should face 
consequences.
  I wish we had more time in this Congress to work on legislation that 
could make those consequences real. I am committed to staying focused 
on this issue when we come back in January.
  For now, I am glad we are sending this message, and I am glad to 
stand shoulder to shoulder as I have so many times over the past 6 
years with my friend, Ed Royce, as we pass this measure.
  Mr. Speaker, again, I thank the gentlewoman from Florida, Ileana Ros-
Lehtinen. I ask all Members to support this, and I yield back the 
balance of my time.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, Ukraine remains under assault from Moscow, which is 
betting that the West is tiring of the struggle and that it is free now 
to expand its aggression. Silence on our part at this critical moment 
invites miscalculation and an escalation of the conflict.
  We must demonstrate by our words and actions that we remain fully 
committed to assisting the people of Ukraine to defend their country, 
including by providing them with the weapons they need to defeat 
Russia's continuing aggression. A slap on the wrist at this point will 
not restrain Putin and may guarantee the expansion of hostilities that 
we hope to avoid.
  We strongly encourage the President to use the authority that 
Congress has provided to impose sanctions on Russia and to take action 
to make clear that we remain committed to the sovereignty of the 
Ukrainian people and a Ukraine that is whole and free.
  I want to thank my colleague from New York (Mr. Engel) for authoring 
this very important measure and, most importantly, for his consistent 
leadership on Ukraine. At the end of my service in this body, I thank 
him for the many years of friendship and cooperation as we worked 
together to promote the interests and the values of the American people 
around the world.
  It has been a real joy, and I thank Mr. Engel for sharing that ride 
with me.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) that the House suspend the 
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1162.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

[[Page H10077]]

  

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