[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 16 (Wednesday, January 25, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E51]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      GERMANY STANDS FOR DEMOCRACY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 25, 2023

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, friends of democracy are 
grateful that today the Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz, announced 
in a speech before the German Federal Parliament that Berlin will send 
German-made Leopard 2 tanks to defend Ukraine. Germany is well 
represented in Washington with Ambassador Emily Haber.
  Chancellor Scholz recognizes we are in a worldwide competition of 
democracies with Rule of Law opposed by authoritarians with Rule of 
Gun.
  This was an historic decision by the German government and one which 
will help Ukraine in its time of need as a renewed Putin spring 
offensive likely draws near. This decision will not only help Ukraine 
win on the battlefield, and save thousands of lives, but it will also 
enhance European and transatlantic security. I am also appreciative 
that our Polish allies are making a vital contribution by sending their 
own tanks to support Ukraine.
  There is no doubt that the decision by President Biden to finally 
send American-made M1 Abrams tanks was essential in convincing our 
German allies to send the Leopard tanks to Ukraine. However, I am 
deeply concerned that it may take months for the Abrams tanks to reach 
Ukraine, time that the innocent people of Ukraine cannot afford.
  Unfortunately, the administration continues to block essential 
weapons like the long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), 
which could help Ukraine win on the battlefield and end the conflict 
sooner. The ATACMS are crucial for Ukraine to defend itself against 
attack from Iranian drone systems and Russian forces based in Crimea. I 
call on President Biden to do the right thing and give Ukraine what it 
needs.
  I especially appreciate Germany in that my home county of Lexington, 
South Carolina, was originally named Saxe Gotha being settled by 
enterprising German farmers. Also my maternal family was significantly 
German with my ancestor Daniel Weisiger born in Frankfort in 1803, 
immigrating from Rotherdam in 1830 to Philadelphia then to Chesapeake, 
Virginia. I am named for his son David Addison Weisiger of Petersburg, 
Virginia.
  God Bless the United States of America. God Bless Germany. God Bless 
Ukraine. God Bless President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Ukraine will achieve 
victory.

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