Condemning Violation of Ukrainian Sovereignty, Independence, and Territorial Intergrity

Floor Speech

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 499, a resolution condemning the violation of Ukrainian sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity by military forces of the Russian Federation.

This resolution is a loud, strong message from this body, the House of Representatives, the People's House, that the people of the United States stand firmly behind the people of Ukraine in their mission to maintain their independence, free from Russian aggression.

Our friends in the world must always have full assurance that we are with them, that our resolve is unshakeable, and that nothing will intimidate us.

This resolution lays out what our game plan looks like as we take concrete steps to back our friends in Ukraine. I want to focus on one key part of this plan: achieving energy independence for Ukraine and the region.

For too long Russia has used the threat of manipulating energy prices and supplies to impose economic and political pressure on Ukraine and other countries. This has got to stop.

We can provide a reliable source of energy to our partners in Europe. Congress is ready to do its part. However, the Obama administration needs to speed up the permit approval process to get liquid natural gas flowing to our friends in Europe, approve the Keystone XL pipeline, and take other pro-American, pro-growth, pro-energy actions. There is truly no better time than now.
We can hit Vladimir Putin where it hurts--in the wallet. We can strengthen Ukraine's hand in the short run and sell them the fuel they need for the long haul. We can create jobs for American workers--good, meaningful jobs. It just makes sense.

I urge support for H. Res. 499.

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