[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 191 (Thursday, December 8, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H8855]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN SUPPORT OF THE RELEASE OF PAUL WHELAN

  (Mr. WALBERG asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, we learned this morning of a prisoner swap 
with the Kremlin: basketball star Brittney Griner for the merchant of 
death, Viktor Bout.
  Left behind once again by this administration was Michigander Paul 
Whelan.
  While we rejoice with the Griner family, Paul's parents, constituents 
in my district, will soon have their fourth Christmas without their 
son.
  Paul's family is doing their best to stay upbeat and is genuinely 
happy for the Griner family, as we all are. But it is hard to fathom 
the magnitude of disappointment with this latest lopsided swap.
  We are keeping the Whelans in our prayers, just as we are keeping up 
the pressure. For years now, I have spoken about Paul's wrongful 
imprisonment on this floor. I was hoping the next time would be to 
celebrate his release. Sadly, it is not.
  Today, once again, it is time for Paul Whelan to come home.

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