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

Floor Speech

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Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 552 and call on the Russian Government to provide evidence of wrongdoing or to release United States citizen Paul Whelan.

I thank my colleague Congresswoman Haley Stevens for her untiring work on this important issue. Paul Whelan is a veteran. He is a Michigan resident, who has been held in Russian captivity for nearly 10 months without charges. And I repeat, he has been held in Russian captivity for nearly 10 months without charges.

Throughout his entire time, Paul has not been given due process. He has had multiple pretrial hearings in which his detainment has repeatedly been extended without the production of any new or credible evidence. While in captivity he has been in need of serious medical attention, and his health has deteriorated. It is unacceptable for an American citizen to be detained for any length of time without charges and without proper medical care.

Paul's entire family, including his parents who live in my district in Manchester, Michigan, are deeply concerned about his health and safety, as they should be. I met with members of the Whelan family on many occasions, and they have been pillars of strength, but also have endured much agony.

We stand united today saying this is not a partisan issue. It is an American issue.

As Republicans and Democrats we are committed to raising awareness about Paul's case and advocating for his freedom. And we stand to send a strong and powerful message today by passing this resolution. I encourage my colleagues to stand together and pass this resolution and tell Russia it is wrong as to what they are doing.

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