[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 189 (Tuesday, December 6, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H8783]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      AMERICAN HOSTAGES IN RUSSIA

  (Ms. JACKSON LEE asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the horrible 
and despicable plight of Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan among other 
hostages and United States citizens held around the world in this 
particular situation by a despot who wants to use Brittney as a pawn.
  This wonderful young woman, 6 feet 9 inches, an Olympian, is now 
being taken to a labor camp with vicious conditions, food that is 
disgraceful, conditions that are disgraceful. It is only because of the 
selfish despot that wants to eliminate democracy, live in an oppressive 
society, and use her as a vicious pawn.
  I warn Americans: When a former President suggests they want to 
suspend the Constitution, watch Iran that is killing people in the 
street simply because they want freedom and democracy, and watch Russia 
every day.
  It has been said, oh, you made a highlight or a star out of Brittney 
Griner. No. It was the outcry of her family and community that said: We 
just want her home. We want Paul Whelan, a veteran, home.
  Yet, this vicious and vile leader thinks that he has something he can 
dangle in front of our eyes.
  I demand that we get strong-handed with him. This young woman needs 
to be brought home to her family, and it is a disgrace that we cannot 
get her home.

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