[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 61 (Wednesday, April 6, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E365-E366]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  UPHOLDING THE FOUNDING DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES OF THE NORTH ATLANTIC 
TREATY ORGANIZATION AND ESTABLISHING A CENTER FOR DEMOCRATIC RESILIENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 5, 2022

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House 
Resolution 831, which reaffirms unequivocal support for the North 
Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as an alliance founded on 
democratic principles.
  This resolution also calls on the President to use the voice and vote 
of the United States to adopt a new Strategic Concept for NATO that is 
clear about its support for shared democratic values and committed to 
enhancing NATO's capacity to strengthen democratic institutions within 
NATO member, partner, and aspirant countries.
  Finally, the resolution calls on the President to use the voice and 
vote of the United States to establish a Center for Democratic 
Resilience within NATO headquarters.
  First, I would like to commend all Ukrainians for their outstanding 
courage, resilience, fortitude, and bravery. It is truly inspiring for 
Americans, and for people around the world. America stands with Ukraine 
and the Ukrainian people.
  Russia's launch of a premeditated war against Ukraine is an attack on 
democracy and a grave violation of international law, global peace, and 
security.
  The fighting has sparked massive displacement and has forced over two 
million Ukrainians to flee their homes to neighboring states and has 
put women and girls at heightened risk of violence.
  Although the world hopes for peace, Russia's invasion of Ukraine 
shows no signs of ending. Russian forces continue their bombardment of 
Ukrainian cities, including the capital, Kyiv, and the southern port 
city of Mariupol.
  Additionally, as a body we must condemn the recent execution style 
killings of Ukrainians in Bucha.
  It is abundantly clear that Russian soldiers were out to torture, 
rape, and kill innocent Ukrainian civilians. These actions amount to 
war crimes, and we must treat them as such.
  Therefore, along with the President I believe we must hold Russian 
authorities and President Putin accountable before the International 
Criminal Court via a War Crimes trial.
  This will bring the justice so greatly deserved to those families who 
lost their mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters to savagery. I 
additionally believe that this is a good first action under NATO's new 
Strategic Concept, which this bill seeks to redefine.
  Considering the direness of the situation in Ukraine, it is 
absolutely critical that NATO

[[Page E366]]

powers continue to bind together in opposition to President Putin's 
soulless actions.
  Adopting a new Strategic Concept and establishing a Center for 
Democratic Resilience will further display to Putin and those like him 
that the West will not back down to autocrats and dictators.
  I therefore am proud to support H. Res 831, and urge my colleagues to 
do the same.

                          ____________________