[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 107 (Thursday, June 23, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H5836]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                 BRING HOME ILLEGAL DETAINEES IN RUSSIA

  (Mr. STANTON asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, for 126 days now, Brittney Griner has 
been wrongfully detained by Russia.
  Every single day that goes by is a lifetime for her wife, Cherelle, 
her family, friends, and teammates on the Phoenix Mercury.
  As mayor of Phoenix, I was so lucky to watch her develop and grow as 
a professional athlete and also as a respected leader in the Phoenix 
community. One of the best basketball players of our generation, she 
has won gold medals representing the United States twice at the Olympic 
Games. Like many WNBA players, she needed to supplement her income by 
playing professional basketball in Russia, and she was proud to do so.
  But, now, Brittney finds herself a prisoner of the Russian 
Government. Her legal hearings continue to be delayed without good 
reason. It is unacceptable.
  It is time for the House to speak with one unified voice and call for 
Brittney's safe return and to show support for every American 
wrongfully detained in Russia.

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