[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 33 (Friday, February 23, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E170]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF THE ONGOING WAR IN UKRAINE AND 
                  THE BRAVERY OF THE UKRAINIAN PEOPLE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MIKIE SHERRILL

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 23, 2024

  Ms. SHERRILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the second anniversary 
of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the courageous defensive efforts 
of the Ukrainian people since February 24, 2022, fighting to protect 
their homeland.
  During my two trips to Ukraine, once right before the war and another 
during, I saw firsthand the grit and determination of the Ukrainian 
people. Many thought Russia's military was the second best in the 
world; two years later we've come to find it is actually only the 
second best in Ukraine. Since 2022, the Ukrainian people have fought 
bravely--defying the odds by holding onto their Capital, Kyiv, keeping 
the Port of Odessa open for the world food supply, and strengthening 
their eastern manufacturing sector.
  As Congresswoman for New Jersey's 11th Congressional District, I 
represent one of the largest Ukrainian American populations in the 
United States. Throughout this conflict, this vibrant community has 
organized many inspiring efforts to send medical and other needed 
supplies to Ukraine--collecting and sending over $4 million of aid 
through just one local cultural center. Each time I have the honor of 
meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, including earlier this week 
at the Munich Security Conference, I tell him about the Ukrainian 
American community in New Jersey and the vast support he and the 
Ukrainian people have in our state.
  New Jersey's 11th Congressional District is also proud to support 
Ukraine with ammunition and the M-777 Howitzers that are ensuring 
Ukrainians can keep up the fight against Russia developed by our 
military base, Picatinny Arsenal.
  For New Jerseyans--supporting Ukraine is not a matter of partisan 
politics. Democratic or Republican, New Jersey leaders, from the very 
beginning, have stood up for Ukraine. We understand the existential 
threat this poses on global democracy and the damage that would incur 
if we leave Russian aggression unchecked. America has stood by our ally 
since the beginning of this war and we must not turn our back on them 
now.
  Slava Ukraine.

                          ____________________