No Russian Tunnel to Crimea Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this legislation. This is the long-awaited proverbial ``China week'' on the House floor, so let me explain briefly why this legislation pertains to the PRC.

In February 2022, as the world turned its attention to the winter Olympics in Beijing, Vladimir Putin visited China to meet with President Xi where the two publicly declared what they called a ``no limits partnership'' between Russia and China.

Just weeks after that declaration, Putin unleashed his devastating invasion of Ukraine, aimed at toppling the democratically elected government in Kyiv.

Since that time, China has played a crucial role in keeping the Kremlin's war machine running. By purchasing Russian oil and gas in massive quantities, Beijing has funded the Kremlin coffers and the illegal invasion machine it operates. By exporting semiconductors, drones, telecommunications gear, and other strategic electronic equipment, the PRC companies have provided the technical know-how to backfill U.S. and European providers that have exited the Russian market.

Though the PRC has deepened its economic trade with Russia, including in dual-use items, it has thus far avoided directly arming Russia's criminal war effort.

Recent reports have emerged about Russian officials meeting with leaders of major Chinese state-owned construction firms to discuss building a tunnel from Russia to Crimea. Of course, Crimea is of enormous strategic importance. Ukrainian forces have rightfully targeted this bridge multiple times, demonstrating their resilience and their determination to disrupt Russia's illegal occupation. The construction of a tunnel linking Russia directly to Crimea would only further entrench Putin's control over the Crimean Peninsula and bolster his war efforts.

Mr. Speaker, we have a duty to use every tool at our disposal to support Ukraine's struggle for sovereignty and freedom. I will thank my colleague, Representative Wilson, for his partnership on this important bill. I also extend my gratitude to Chairman McCaul for his leadership in advancing this legislation, both at markup and now on the floor, and I thank all Members who have shown their support by cosponsoring this measure.

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