OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Calling on the Government of the Russian Federation to Provide Evidence of Wrongdoing or to Release United States Citizen Paul Whelan

Floor Speech

Date: Oct. 22, 2019
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Foreign Affairs

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Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding.

Nearly 10 months ago on December 28, 2018, the Government of the Russian Federation arrested U.S. citizen Paul Whelan. In those 10 months, the Russian Government has refused to provide any evidence to substantiate the espionage charges against Paul.

Instead, in those 10 months, the Russian Government has subjected Paul to physical and psychological pressure. In those 10 months, the Russian Government has repeatedly prevented Paul from speaking freely with the U.S. embassy or with his family; rights that are afforded to Russian prisoners here in the U.S.

In those 10 months, the Russian Government has denied Paul's request to be examined or treated by a private physician. And I say, Russian Government. I say government, because I believe the Russian people, particularly those that are speaking up and demonstrating for an open and democratic government there, they would be standing with us today.

For 10 months, the Russian Government has refused to respond to the concerns of the Governments of the United States, U.K., Canada, and Ireland.

For 10 months, Paul's continued detention has caused indescribable pain and torment not only for Paul but for his parents, his two brothers, and his sisters.

Ten months of injustice is 10 months too long.

In our committee, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, we look for areas of common ground to work with Russia, but actions like this, depriving a U.S. citizen of the most basic rights, makes that all the more difficult.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Paul, on behalf of his family, I hope all Members will join me in supporting H. Res. 552 and calling on the Government of Russia to allow a fair and transparent judicial process without delay, facilitate Paul's medical care, and allow for unrestricted visits with the U.S. Embassy.

Mr. Speaker, above all, I hope Members will all join with me in calling on the Government of Russia to release Paul and send him back home to his family.

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