[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 103 (Tuesday, June 13, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E554]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CALLING ON THE GOVERNMENT OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION TO IMMEDIATELY 
               RELEASE UNITED STATES CITIZEN PAUL WHELAN

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                               speech of

                            HON. TIM WALBERG

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 12, 2023

  Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 272, 
and call on the Russian government to release United States citizen 
Paul Whelan. I thank my colleague, Congresswoman Haley Stevens, for her 
continued work on this important issue.
  It has now been four-and-a-half years since Paul Whelan, a marine 
veteran and Michigan resident, was imprisoned in Russia.
  After a sham trial, he was sentenced to 16 years in prison without 
proper evidence.
  Vladimir Putin is focused on using American hostages as leverage 
against the United States.
  We have seen prisoner swaps bring other Americans home but, 
tragically, Paul has been left behind in Russia.
  As the Whelan family stated, the Russians are using Paul Whelan as an 
example of how America does not treat our citizens equally.
  If there was ever a time for the U.S. Government to move decisively 
for Paul, it's now.
  Congress can send a strong message today by passing this resolution, 
and we hope the administration will follow suit.
  I've met with members of the Whelan family on many occasions.
  Despite these long agonizing years, they continue to be pillars of 
strength.
  It's time for Paul Whelan to come home to Michigan and be returned to 
his family.

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