[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 69 (Wednesday, April 27, 2022)]
[House]
[Pages H4536-H4538]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR MOLDOVA'S DEMOCRACY, INDEPENDENCE, AND 
   TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY AND STRENGTHENING UNITED STATES AND MOLDOVA 
                               RELATIONS

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 833) expressing support for Moldova's 
democracy, independence, and territorial integrity and strengthening 
United States and Moldova relations, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 833

       Whereas the Republic of Moldova gained independence from 
     the Soviet Union in 1991;
       Whereas the United States established diplomatic relations 
     with Moldova on February 18, 1992, and the 2 countries have 
     since enjoyed expanded and positive relations;
       Whereas United States assistance to Moldova and the 
     Strategic Dialogue between the United States and Moldova, 
     which was launched on March 3, 2014, has strengthened the 
     relationship between the 2 countries and focused on advancing 
     shared interests in democracy, good governance, rule of law, 
     anticorruption, energy independence, economic development, 
     and security cooperation;
       Whereas Congress and State and local communities have a 
     history of engaging with Moldovan young leaders, civil 
     society, and Members of Parliament through official 
     exchanges;
       Whereas Moldova ratified an association agreement 
     containing comprehensive free trade provisions with the 
     European Union in 2014 and the agreement became fully 
     effective in July 2016;
       Whereas Moldova's main trading partner is the European 
     Union;
       Whereas Moldova is a member of the European Union's Eastern 
     Partnership;
       Whereas since the Russian Federation's unprovoked full-
     scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Moldova has 
     opened its border to refugees fleeing Ukraine;
       Whereas, on March 3, 2022, Moldova submitted an application 
     to become a member of the European Union;
       Whereas the Moldovan 2020 Presidential and 2021 
     parliamentary elections resulted in a government with a 
     mandate to fight corruption, reinvigorate economic reforms, 
     enhance judicial independence, revitalize European 
     integration efforts, and strengthen relations with the United 
     States;
       Whereas, in November 2020, Moldova elected its first female 
     President, Maia Sandu, and since August 6, 2021, women serve 
     as both Moldova's head of state and head of government;
       Whereas according to the Organization for Security and 
     Cooperation in Europe's Office for Democratic Institutions 
     and Human Rights, the most recent elections were ``well 
     administered, competitive and fundamental freedoms were 
     largely respected'';
       Whereas in a judgment in 2004, the European Court of Human 
     Rights found that Moldova's separatist region of Transnistria 
     was created with the support of the Government of the Russian 
     Federation and considered it ``under the effective authority 
     or at least decisive influence'' of the Kremlin;
       Whereas the United States supports the sovereignty and 
     territorial integrity of Moldova and on that basis 
     participates as an observer in the ``5+2'' negotiations to 
     find a comprehensive settlement that will provide a special 
     status for Transnistria within Moldova's internationally 
     recognized borders;
       Whereas the Government of the Russian Federation maintains 
     a contingent of military forces and a stockpile of military 
     equipment and ammunition within the Transnistrian region 
     constituting an occupation of Moldovan territory and a 
     violation of Moldova's territorial sovereignty;
       Whereas the Council of Europe, the Organization for 
     Security and Co-operation in Europe Mission to Moldova, and 
     the Government of Moldova have called upon the Kremlin to 
     remove its troops from the territory of Moldova;
       Whereas, in July 2017, the Moldovan Parliament adopted a 
     declaration calling on the Kremlin to withdraw its troops 
     from Moldova;
       Whereas, on September 22, 2021, Moldovan President Maia 
     Sandu addressed the United Nations General Assembly and 
     called for the Kremlin to withdraw its troops from the 
     Transnistrian region;
       Whereas Moldova has been a valued and reliable partner in 
     promoting global security

[[Page H4537]]

     by participating in United Nations peacekeeping missions in 
     the Central African Republic, Kosovo, and South Sudan, 
     supporting United States efforts to increase international 
     cooperation in combating terrorism, and providing demining 
     units and postconflict humanitarian assistance in Iraq;
       Whereas, since 1996, Moldova's Armed Forces have 
     participated in the United States National Guard State 
     Partnership Program as a partner to the North Carolina 
     National Guard, which led to the creation of the Moldova-
     North Carolina Bilateral Partnership, which has facilitated 
     cooperation in the areas of civil emergency operations, 
     expansion of markets, coordination of humanitarian efforts 
     and cultural, scientific, and academic exchanges;
       Whereas Moldova cooperates with the North Atlantic Treaty 
     Organization through the Partnership for Peace program, 
     including participation in the Defense and Related Security 
     Capacity Building Initiative, a flagship defense reform 
     partnership focused on reforming and modernizing Moldova's 
     Armed Forces to improve expertise, interoperability, and 
     peacekeeping capabilities; and
       Whereas, on September 21, 2021, President Biden addressed 
     the 76th United Nations General Assembly stating that the 
     democratic world ``lives in the proud Moldovans who helped 
     deliver a landslide victory for the forces of democracy, with 
     a mandate to fight graft, to build a more inclusive 
     economy'': Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) urges the United States Government, European Union, and 
     other transatlantic partners to increase cooperation, 
     coordination, and support for the Republic of Moldova's 
     democratic development, economic and energy independence, and 
     efforts to root out corruption;
       (2) reaffirms that it is the policy of the United States to 
     support the sovereignty, independence, and territorial 
     integrity of Moldova and the inviolability of its borders;
       (3) affirms Moldova's sovereign right to determine its own 
     partnerships free of external coercion and pressure, and 
     affirms Moldova's right to associate with the European Union 
     or any regional organization;
       (4) encourages increased activity related to the Strategic 
     Dialogue as a means to strengthen relations between Moldova 
     and the United States;
       (5) supports the Joint Commercial Commission between the 
     United States and Moldova to strengthen the bilateral trade 
     and investment relationship between the 2 nations and improve 
     Moldova's investment climate;
       (6) encourages the United States Government to engage at a 
     leadership level to enhance United States partnerships with 
     the Government of Moldova and civil society organizations;
       (7) encourages the Secretary of State, the Administrator of 
     the United States Agency for International Development, the 
     Chief Executive Officer of the Development Finance 
     Corporation, the Secretary of Energy, and the United States 
     Trade Representative to increase and focus assistance on 
     justice sector reform, strengthening democratic institutions, 
     promoting an open and transparent government, fostering 
     indigenous independent media and an open information 
     environment, increasing domestic energy development, 
     diversification of energy supplies and energy efficiency, 
     improving transport and communication infrastructure, as well 
     as the promotion of trade and investment opportunities, along 
     with inclusive economic growth focusing on the rural areas 
     beyond the capital;
       (8) commends Moldova's efforts to take in Ukrainian 
     refugees and urges increased assistance by the United States, 
     European Union, and other allies and partners to Moldova to 
     assist with those efforts;
       (9) reaffirms the importance of free, fair, and transparent 
     elections in Moldova;
       (10) urges the Secretary of State, the Administrator of the 
     United States Agency for International Development, the Chief 
     Executive Officer of the United States Agency for Global 
     Media, and other heads of Federal departments and agencies to 
     continue to work with the Government of Moldova and Moldovan 
     civil society to strengthen independent media and combat 
     Russian disinformation and propaganda;
       (11) calls upon the Government of the Russian Federation to 
     fulfill its commitments made at the Organization for Security 
     and Co-operation in Europe's Istanbul summit in 1999, and to 
     withdraw its military forces and munitions from within the 
     internationally recognized territory of Moldova;
       (12) calls upon the Government of the Russian Federation to 
     refrain from military and economic threats to Moldova and 
     cease any and all actions that support the so-called 
     ``authorities'' in the separatist region of Transnistria;
       (13) supports a results-oriented 5+2 process as a 
     constructive format for resolving the Transnistria conflict 
     through a comprehensive settlement that secures Moldova's 
     sovereignty and territorial integrity; and
       (14) affirms that lasting stability and security in Moldova 
     is in the strategic interest of the United States and that 
     these can only be achieved if the territorial integrity and 
     sovereignty of Moldova and all European countries are 
     respected.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Virginia (Mr. Connolly) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. 
Meuser) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Virginia.


                             General Leave

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and 
include extraneous material on H. Res. 833, as amended.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Virginia?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I rise today in support of H. Res. 833, which clearly champions 
Moldova's push toward democracy and our common work in strengthening 
our bilateral ties.
  I first thank my colleague, Representative Price of North Carolina, 
for drafting this important measure and his years of work on the House 
Democracy Partnership.
  Moldova, a small country in Europe, nested between Ukraine and 
Romania, rightfully deserves our attention today. After centuries of 
being fought over and by larger neighboring powers, the country is 
making strides toward democracy, combating deep-seated corruption, and 
moving closer to the Euro-Atlantic community.
  With the Russian invasion in Ukraine, the stakes are now so much 
greater. Indeed, more than 400,000 Ukrainian refugees have arrived in 
tiny Moldova since February, a number that represents more than 10 
percent of Moldova's own population.
  Furthermore, Moldova is no stranger to malign Russian influence and 
interference. Transnistria, a Kremlin-backed breakaway region in 
Moldova's east, is an area of active risk. Moscow uses this wound to 
manipulate fears and politics in Moldova. We are reminded of that 
constant potential with the explosion in the region earlier this week 
and the constant dangerous rhetoric from the so-called authorities 
there.
  Thankfully, despite these challenges, the Moldovan Government is in a 
position to tackle them and advance an agenda to modernize and 
democratize its society and its economy.
  President Maia Sandu and the parliament in Moldova are ambitiously 
fighting corruption and implementing needed reforms, all while 
strengthening relations with the European Union and with the United 
States.
  The Moldovan people's good work to build a stronger democracy is 
admirable and deserves our full support, especially today; and passing 
this resolution, coupled with the Biden administration's highlighting 
of Moldova's progress during the Summit for Democracy, sends a strong 
signal that the entire United States Government stands with them.
  This resolution looks to build on the momentum in this decisive 
moment from Moldova, ensuring that the progress is meaningful and 
sustainable. I support this resolution, and I urge all of my colleagues 
to do the same.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

                                         House of Representatives,


                                 Committee on Foreign Affairs,

                                   Washington, DC, April 22, 2022.
     Hon. Richard Neal,
     Committee on Ways and Means,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Neal: I am writing to you concerning H. Res. 
     833, Expressing support for Moldova's democracy, 
     independence, and territorial integrity and strengthening 
     United States and Moldova relation, as amended. I appreciate 
     your willingness to work cooperatively on this legislation.
       I acknowledge that provisions of the bill fall within the 
     jurisdiction of the Committee on Ways and Means under House 
     Rule X, and that your Committee will forgo action on H. Res. 
     833 to expedite floor consideration. I further acknowledge 
     that the inaction of your Committee with respect to the bill 
     does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the 
     matters contained in the bill that fall within your 
     jurisdiction. I also acknowledge that your Committee will be 
     appropriately consulted and involved as this or similar 
     legislation moves forward, and will support the appointment 
     of Committee on Ways and Means conferees during any House-
     Senate conference convened on this legislation.
       Lastly, I will ensure that our exchange of letters is 
     included in the Congressional Record during floor 
     consideration of the bill. Thank you again for your 
     cooperation regarding the legislation. I look forward to

[[Page H4538]]

     continuing to work with you as the measure moves through the 
     legislative process.
           Sincerely,
                                                 Gregory W. Meeks,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                                  Committee on Ways and Means,

                                   Washington, DC, April 25, 2022.
     Hon. Gregory Meeks,
     Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Meeks: In recognition of the desire to 
     expedite consideration of H. Res. 833, Expressing support for 
     Moldova's democracy, independence, and territorial integrity 
     and strengthening United States and Moldova relations, the 
     Committee on Ways and Means agrees to waive formal 
     consideration of the bill as to provisions that fall within 
     the rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Ways and Means.
       The Committee on Ways and Means takes this action with the 
     mutual understanding that 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 
     within our 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.
       Finally, I would appreciate your response to this letter 
     confirming this understanding, and would ask that a copy of 
     our exchange of letter on this matter be included in the 
     Congressional Record during floor consideration of H. Res. 
     833.
           Sincerely,
                                                  Richard E. Neal,
                                                         Chairman.

  Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I rise today in support of H. Res. 833, which expresses support for 
Moldova's democracy, independence, and territorial integrity and calls 
for strengthening U.S. and Moldova relations.
  Needless to say, this is an especially opportune time to consider 
this resolution; not only because this year marks the 30th anniversary 
of diplomatic relations between our two countries, but also given the 
ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine and the challenge it poses 
to other countries in the region, including Moldova.
  Moldova's humanitarian response to Russia's full-scale invasion of 
Ukraine and its generosity have been truly remarkable. For example, 
Moldova has accepted nearly 434,000 Ukrainian refugees. To put that 
into perspective, that is around 5 percent of Moldova's entire 
population.
  Not only does this resolution commend Moldova's strong support for 
Ukraine, but also commits the U.S. to continue to assist Moldova in 
addressing the economic impacts of the crisis, its energy security, and 
advancing democratic reforms.
  I urge all my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution to 
show that the U.S. Congress is committed to a long-term partnership 
with Moldova.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, I thank Representatives Price and Pfluger 
for their work on this resolution.
  Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine is making the whole of 
Europe less secure. U.S. support for our allies and partners must 
therefore extend to Ukraine's neighbors, like Moldova.
  The ominous threat made by a Russian general last week that the 
Kremlin aimed to seize a land bridge from the Donbas to Odesa and then 
to Transnistria, the Russian-supported breakaway region in Moldova, 
shows why the U.S. must pay close attention to Moldova and its 
security.
  Therefore, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this 
resolution to demonstrate the U.S. Congress' strong support of our 
friends in Moldova.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, again, I thank my friend for his bipartisan leadership 
and his support for this important piece of legislation.
  Again, combined with the Georgia Support Act, this resolution sends a 
clear message from this body, on a bipartisan basis, that we will not 
tolerate Russian aggression in Europe in 2022.
  Combined with our solidarity in opposition to the tragedy unfolding 
in Ukraine, it is a powerful message, backed up with, of course, 
support by our government, and the bipartisan nature of this is just so 
critical.
  The people of Moldova, and the people of Georgia, and the people of 
Ukraine, they are watching and they are listening, as we hope is 
Vladimir Putin and his cronies in Moscow.
  I urge support for this resolution, and I yield back the balance of 
my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Connolly) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 833, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. ROY. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution 
8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
  Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this motion 
are postponed.

                          ____________________