Sanctioned by Russia and more...

Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to April 16, 2022

Miller-Meeks Statement on Being Sanctioned by Russia
Source: U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IO, 2nd)
April 15, 2022
“I will not bow down to the thugs in Moscow. The invasion of Ukraine violates international law and cannot go unpunished. I am proud to stand with the people of Ukraine and I am inspired by their bravery and will to fight for their country. I will continue to work with all of my colleagues to hold Russia, Putin, and his cronies accountable for their war crimes against the people of Ukraine.”
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MOORE, WARREN, BOOKER INTRODUCE MAMAS FIRST ACT
Source: U.S. Representative Gwen Moore (D-WI, 4th)
April 15, 2022
“Medicaid covers 40 percent of all births and 65 percent of Black mothers’ births. As Black mothers continue to bear the burden of our maternal health crisis, dying at 3-5 times the rate of white mothers, making these investments will have an immediate impact on the most vulnerable mothers. Mothers who have access to doulas and midwives are more likely to have healthier outcomes and deliveries free of complications for them and their babies.
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Moolenaar: "It's a Badge of Honor" to Be Sanctioned By Russia
Source: U.S. Representative John Moolenaar (R-MI, 4th)
April 14, 2022
"Being sanctioned by Vladimir Putin’s corrupt government is a badge of honor. I refuse to stand idly by while his government commits genocide, and I have voted to help Ukraine defend itself against the Russian invasion. These new sanctions will not deter me from continuing to support the courageous people of Ukraine as they fight for their lives and the country they love,” said Moolenaar.
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Out of the Horse's Mouth

Oil profits are funding Putin’s reckless invasion of Ukraine. That's why I supported bipartisan legislation, that has passed the House and Senate, to ban the United States from importing Russian crude oil, petroleum, petroleum products, LNG, and coal.
-- U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA, 6th)

A 54-year (jobless) low does not happen by accident. This is the result of actions taken by Congress and @POTUS when we enacted the American Rescue Plan.
-- U.S. Representative Robert C. Scott (D-VA, 3rd)

The FBI and DOJ need a complete and total cleansing. It must be one of our top priorities. All the rot must be removed and these agencies must be restored. Setting up people, like in the Whitmer alleged kidnapping plot, doesn’t appear to be a solo event.
-- U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA, 14)

Under Biden, U.S. oil reserves have dropped by 40 percent. Our reserves are at their lowest level since 1984. Biden is not supposed to use this supply to bail out his failed policies.
-- U.S. Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ, 5th)

People like Elon Musk want more free speech online. Democrats like President Obama want more censorship. What side are you on?
-- U.S. Representative Jim Jordan (R-OH, 4th)

Migrants, Ketanji Brown Jackson, Fossil Fuels, Moscow

Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to April 8, 2022

Meijer, Guest, Katko Introduce Legislation to Alert Localities of Migrant Releases as Immigration Surge Looms
Source: U.S. Representative Peter Meijer (R-MI, 3rd)

“As we continue to experience historic levels of migrants and deadly narcotics crossing the border, Congress must continue to engage and promote policies that are in the best interest of the American people,” said Rep. Meijer. “Last year’s immigration surge placed a huge strain on local communities and public resources. If President Biden is going to do away with Title 42 and refuse to immediately deport people who cross our border illegally, the least his administration can do is notify local authorities of an impending release of these migrants into their jurisdictions. Doing so ensures that communities can prepare for and respond to the migrants, who would otherwise be left stranded in an unknown city. No such requirement is currently in place, but I hope our bill resolves this quickly.”
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MENENDEZ STATEMENT ON CONFIRMATION OF KETANJI BROWN JACKSON TO THE SUPREME COURT
Source: Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ)

“As only the second Supreme Court Justice ever to have served at all three levels of our federal judiciary, I have no doubt that, given her impeccable credentials and lived experiences, Justice Jackson will faithfully carry out the duties entrusted to her by the Constitution. Her extensive knowledge about what the law can do, what it can limit, and what it can unlock make her an outstanding Justice who will usher the highest court of the land to a new era — more clearly reflecting who we are as a nation and what we stand for as a fair, just, and hopeful people.
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Rep. Meeks Statement on the Confirmed Nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson
Source: U.S. Representative Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY, 5th)

"I am pleased that the Senate confirmed the historic nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. Judge Jackson’s firm belief in justice and impartiality coupled with her vast and diverse experiences in public service makes her an excellent addition to the Supreme Court. Furthermore, her distinct background cultivated through her time as a public defender will provide the Court with a unique perspective rooted in our criminal justice system. As I look towards the future of the Supreme Court, I cannot help but think about the profound impact that Judge Jackson will have on Black women across America. To realize a more perfect union, our democratic institutions must reflect the diversity of our Nation. Her unprecedented achievement is a testament to the tenacity and contributions of Black women to our society. I congratulate Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson on her historic nomination and look forward to her swearing in," said Congressman Gregory W. Meeks
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Liberal's hidden agenda: more than just your guns...
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BIDEN’S WAR ON FOSSIL FUELS CAUSING GAS PRICES TO SPIKE
Source: U.S. Representative David McKinley (R-WV, 1st)

The House Financial Services Committee held a hearing with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. During the hearing, Congressman Patrick McHenry (NC-10) and Committee Republicans discussed the state of the international financial system and held the Biden Administration accountable for the Treasury Department’s international activities, specifically those at the international financial institutions.
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McHenry to Yellen: We Must Exert Maximum Pressure on Moscow
Source: U.S. Representative Patrick T. McHenry (R-NC, 10th)

“President Biden and House Democrats continue to blame Putin and U.S. oil companies for rising gas prices, when in fact it is their own anti-American energy policies driven by far-left environmental activists that have caused prices to spike,” said Rep. McKinley. “Restoring American energy production is the best option for reducing gas prices that are crushing American families.”
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FULL SPEECH: Former President Donald Trump speaks at 'Save America' rally in Conroe, Texas in January

Behavioral Health, Financial Literacy, Inflation, Defense Budget, Wildfires

Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to April 6, 2022

Rep. McClintock and Rep. LaMalfa Introduce Legislation Requiring the U.S. Forest Service to Immediately Suppress Wildfires
Source: U.S. Representative Tom McClintock (R-CA, 4th)
April 2, 2022
“This ‘let burn’ policy of federal land managers began in 1972, during the height of the radical environmental movement,” McClintock said. “Essentially, it holds that ‘fire is our friend.’ It stems from the premise that fire is nature’s way of cleaning up forests, and that active suppression of fires leads to a build-up of excess fuels. As we have tragically witnessed firsthand, it is dangerous nonsense to ‘monitor’ incipient fires in today’s forest tinderbox. The U.S. Forest Service was formed to remove excess growth before it can burn and to preserve our forests in a healthy condition from generation to generation. It’s time they did.”
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Two McBath Bills Approved by House Committee
Source: U.S. Representative Lucy McBath (D-GA, 6th)
April 5, 2022
Two pieces of legislation led by U.S. Representative Lucy McBath were amended and approved by the House Committee on Education and Labor. The Protecting America’s Retirement Security Act (PARSA), H.R.7310, and the Training Retention and Investment Now for a Better America (TRAIN for a Better America) Act, H.R.7385, were marked up and advanced out of the Committee. PARSA will help Americans plan and save for retirement by improving protections for retirement plans, increasing awareness of potential fees, and supporting financial literacy with measures that will benefit workers, families, and employers. TRAIN for a Better America will help build a competitive American workforce, provides educational opportunities and creates better careers, and prepares hard-working Americans for new, good-paying jobs.
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Democrats’ Inflation Disproportionately Hurts the Vulnerable
Source: Senator Mitch McConnell (R- KY)
April 5, 2022
“It was clear from the start that the Biden Administration’s war on affordable energy would punish American consumers. And even liberal economists warned that flooding our economy with partisan spending could trigger broad inflation. “Sure enough, American families have now endured nine straight months of inflation above a 5% annual pace. “And the worst effects are being felt in the most vulnerable pockets of our society.
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Rep. McClain Addresses Inadequate Funding in FY23 Defense Budget
Source: U.S. Representative Lisa McClain (R-MI, 10th)
April 5, 2022
During the hearing, Rep. McClain referenced a drop in procurement of the Abrams tank, pushing General Milley for the rationale behind the drop of this critical combat vehicle from the budget. General Milley suggested that a war with China would predominantly be fought with air and Maritime forces. Their exchange led Rep. McClain to highlight that the Air Force is the oldest, smallest and least ready in its’s entire history. Rep. McClain then questioned the rationale for not procuring the 72 fighter aircraft the Air Force needs to maintain their current average age.
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Rexing FM3 FM Transmitter Car Charger w/Bluetooth 5.0
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MATSUI & MULLIN INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO ENHANCE ACCESS TO HEALTH IT FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROVIDERS
Source: U.S. Representative Doris O. Matsui (D-CA, 6th)
April 6, 2022
Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have become an essential part of our modern healthcare system. However, mental health and substance use disorder providers have been historically left out of previous federal funding efforts to promote the adoption and meaningful use of electronic health records and supporting technology. The BHIT Now Act seeks to deliver long overdue targeted funding that will ensure psychologists, clinical and social workers, as well as Community Mental Health Centers, psychiatric hospitals, and residential treatment centers can invest in the technology needed to support integrated, whole-person care.
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Affordable Care Act, Vaccine Mandate, Students Studying Abroad, SCOTUS Nominee, Clean Energy

Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to March 25, 2022

Rep. Maloney Celebrates the Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act
Source: U.S. Representative Carolyn Maloney (D-NY, 12th)
March 23, 2022
Today, twelve years since President Obama and the Democratic Congress enacted the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) highlighted how this life-saving legislation has expanded access to quality, affordable health insurance in New York and across the country.
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SENATORS MARKEY AND WARREN LEAD COLLEAGUES IN URGING PRESIDENT BIDEN TO DEPLOY CLEAN ENERGY AND ENERGY-EFFICIENT ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGIES IN RESPONSE TO PUTIN’S ENERGY MARKET DISRUPTION
Source: Senator Edward J.Markey (D-MA)
March 23, 2022
“In tandem with banning Russian fossil fuel imports, your administration could deploy existing authorities, including the DPA and military sales, to accelerate the production and deployment of electric appliances to help reduce U.S. and European demand for Russian energy,” wrote the Senators in their letter to Biden. “With guaranteed federal contracts and other financial incentives, U.S. manufacturers will have the support they need to ramp up their production of electric heat pumps and key components—creating thousands of jobs, boosting local economies, saving money for consumers, reducing unhealthy emissions, and destroying President Putin’s oil and gas-based business model.”
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Malliotakis: Adams' Mandate Double Standard is a Snub to Working Class
Source: U.S. Representative Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY, 11th)
March 24, 2022
"From the very beginning of this pandemic, what has bothered New Yorkers the most is how arbitrary mandates and restrictions have been implemented with double standards in the name of "following science." I agree with Mayor Adams' decision to lift the vaccine mandate for our athletes and performers, however, the same standard should be applied to our cops, firefighters, teachers, sanitation workers, and other private-sector employees. Mayor Adams should immediately rehire the city workers who were fired and lift the vaccine mandate on all public and private-sector employers that has led to people losing their livelihoods at a time when we have a labor shortage."
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Maloney Re-Introduces Legislation to Protect Students Studying Abroad
Source: U.S. Representative Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY, 18th)
March 24, 2022
Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) re-introduced legislation to give students and parents more information about the safety of study abroad programs. Rep. Maloney drafted and introduced these bills in 2016 and 2017 with the support of Ros Thackurdeen, a resident of Newburgh whose son died while studying abroad. The Ravi Thackurdeen Safe Students Study Abroad Act and American Students Abroad Act would update reporting requirements for colleges and universities to help families make better-informed decisions about where their students study abroad.
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Manning Celebrates Twelve Years of the Affordable Care Act, Fights to Lower Health Care Costs
Source: U.S. Representative Kathy E. Manning (D-NC, 6th)
March 24, 2022
“Today, I’m celebrating the twelfth anniversary of the Affordable Care Act. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, more than 670,000 North Carolinians have access to health care, dependents can stay on their parent’s insurance until age 26, and people with pre-existing conditions are protected from coverage discrimination,” said Congresswoman Manning. “I’ve worked to build on this progress by introducing and co-sponsoring legislation to close the Medicaid coverage gap, decrease racial and economic disparities in health care, and lower the cost of prescription drugs."
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Sen. Marshall to Vote Against Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson for SCOTUS
Source: Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS)
March 25, 2022
“After sitting in on some of Judge Jackson’s hearing and conducting a thorough and thoughtful review of her qualifications and judicial record, I cannot support her confirmation. As the son of a police chief, I am very troubled by Judge Jackson’s record of being soft on crime, one that has followed her through each stage of her legal career. As a practicing attorney, she worked to release dangerous prisoners from Guantanamo Bay. As a District Judge, she worked to wipe out President Trump’s expedited removal of illegal immigrants at our southern border and issued multiple lenient sentences for people convicted of possessing child pornography. That alone would be enough to oppose her confirmation but she has also demonstrated a tendency for legislating from behind the bench and an affinity to growing government. Not to mention, she lacks the serious experience needed to serve a lifelong term at our nation’s highest court. All that being said, I believe she will rubberstamp Biden’s far-left agenda instead of protecting the Constitution and our Kansas values. There is no way I can in good faith support her to be an Associate Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court,” said Senator Marshall.
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2nd Amendment, Supreme Court, New York Healthcare Workers, Climate Policy

Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to March 22, 2022

SENATOR LUMMIS DEMANDS ANSWERS ABOUT ATF ATTACK ON SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHTS
Source: Senator Cynthia M. Lummis (R-WY)
March 22, 2022
U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) is demanding answers about the Biden administration’s infringements on the Second Amendment rights of people in Wyoming. Senator Lummis and a group of 25 senators wrote a letter to Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Acting Director Regina Richardson requesting an explanation for changes to the ATF’s handling of applications to create and own a firearm silencer. The ATF has been rejecting law-abiding Americans’ attempts to create and own a silencer, even though federal law has not changed, and the ATF’s own website acknowledges that federal law allows individuals to make a silencer.
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Climate Policy Beyond the Scope of Financial Regulators
Source: U.S. Representative Frank Lucas (R-OK, 3rd)
March 21, 2022
“The financial system shouldn’t be used as a weapon in combatting climate change. This harms public markets and the companies, investors, and retirees that depend on them. Rather than pursuing social goals unrelated to banking, regulators and Congress should be focusing on the need to increase investments in innovation and competition, spur innovation, and improve regulatory efficiency to allow for American ingenuity to thrive. As President Biden and his Administration continues to analyze the potential implications of climate change, I urge regulators to remember their role as a regulator isn’t to advance environmental policy. We should be promoting investment in companies who are at the forefront of clean energies- not wrestling with companies who are already shifting with the market.”
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Court Grants Anonymity for NY Health Care Workers
Source: First Liberty
March 21, 2022
Liberty Counsel represents these health care workers who sued on September 10, 2021, because state and private employers refused to accept religious exemptions from the COVID shot mandate enacted by Governor Hochul and implemented by Commissioner Zucker. On August 16, 2021, Governor Hochul announced that the state will now require health care workers to accept or receive one of the three currently available COVID-19 injections to remain employed in the healthcare profession.
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Democratic Women’s Caucus, Congressional Black Caucus Send Letter to Senate Judiciary Committee in Support of Judge Jackson’s Nomination to SCOTUS
Source: U.S. Representative Brenda Lawrence (D-MI, 14th)
March 21, 2022
“Judge Jackson, an exceptionally qualified judge with an unimpeachable character, will shatter yet another glass ceiling to become the first Black woman to serve on our nation's highest court,” the Members wrote. “Since the announcement of Judge Jackson’s nomination, we have seen bad faith campaigns working to undermine her legitimacy and credentials. Like many women in public service—especially women of color—Judge Jackson has been the subject of unfair attacks despite her resume that arguably matches or surpasses those of previous nominees. The attacks painting her as a ‘radical left’ and ‘activist’ judge fail to acknowledge her decades of service as an impartial upholder of the law.”
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While Ukraine is trying to jolt us into another World War, they are worried about our hair!

By Shonda Ponder

On Friday, the House of Representatives passed a bill that says that anyone can wear their hair any way they want to and not get discriminated against for it.

This bill is passed disguised as a deterrent to race-based discrimination caused by hair.

“Natural Black hair is often deemed ‘unprofessional’ simply because it does not conform to white beauty standards,” said U.S. Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ, 12th). “Discrimination against Black hair is discrimination against Black people. I’m proud to have played a part to ensure that we end discrimination against people for how their hair grows out of their head.”

“No one should be discriminated against because of their race, gender, or even their hair,” said U.S. Representative Don Bacon (R-NE, 2nd). “Unfortunately, there has been an increase of race-based hair prejudice in the workplace, schools, and within federal assistance programs. I’m glad to work with Rep. Watson Coleman to eliminate this bias and start enforcing more equity within our community."

How about that folks! You don't have to brush your hair to go to work anymore. After all, we wouldn't want to discriminate between being black and being white, would we?

Of course, that all depends on what the Senate does with the companion bill that was introduced.

I only bring this to your attention because it actually happened, and our tax dollars are paying for our leaders to create laws that tell us what we can and can't do with our hair.

While Ukraine is trying to jolt us into another World War, they are worried about our hair!

News about Russia, Energy and the Ukraine

Washington, D.C. - March 18, 2022 - (The Ponder News) -- Eighty-nine members from the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate have called upon the Department of Health and Human Services to take additional steps to reduce energy costs in the wake of Vladimir Putin’s egregious invasion of Ukraine.

In their letter to HHS, they stated, "Americans have already begun to feel the financial impact of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine as oil prices surge to their highest level since 2008 and natural gas prices have risen approximately 60 percent higher than this time last year. Prices for deliverable fuels like propane and heating oil have also remained high, and were 40 percent higher in the first week of March than they were at the same point last year. These are troubling signs for the majority of American households that use either natural gas or deliverable fuels to heat their homes. Moreover, should Russia take additional action to further destabilize global energy markets, we fear the subsequent costs on American energy bills will be severe. "

U.S. Representative Darin Lahood (R-IL, 18th) has said, "On day one in office, President Biden moved to reduce American energy production and prioritize left-wing Green New Deal initiatives, increasing our reliance on foreign adversaries for energy. These policies alone have pushed gas prices to record highs. Instead of working to prioritize American energy production, the Administration is currently negotiating with dictators in Iran and Venezuela. Now is the time to take decisive action to unleash America's energy sector, including oil, gas, renewables, and Illinois biofuels, to protect our national security and protect Americans at the pump," in a statement concerning a House vote to ban Russian energy on March 10, 2022.

On March 15th, President Biden signed a one-time $13.6 billion spending bill providing Ukraine with military and humanitarian aid in their fight against the Russian invasion. $6.5 billion was allocated to the U.S. Department of Defense to deploy troops to the NATO region and send defense equipment, over $4 billion will be used for humanitarian support for refugees fleeing Ukraine and people displaced within the country, and nearly $1.8 billion to help respond to the economic needs in Ukraine and neighboring countries, such as energy and cybersecurity.

According to U.S. Representative Doug Lamborn (R-CO, 5th), "It is because of immense pressure from Congress that sanctions have been imposed on Russia and vital assistance has been given to Ukraine."

Yesterday, Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Rick Scott (R-FL), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Mitt Romney (R-UT) introduced a Senate resolution urging the Biden Administration to facilitate the transfer of aircraft, such as MiG-29s, and air defense systems to Ukraine.

The resolution:

Encourages the President of the United States to support the transfer of aircraft, such as MiG-29s, and air defense systems to Ukraine.

Supports continued efforts by members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and other countries around the globe to identify additional aviation and air defense capabilities to transfer to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Expresses that the Senate stands with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Ukrainian people in their struggle against Russian aggression.

Also, the Senate passed the Suspending Normal Trade Relations with Russia and Belarus Act which passed by a 424-8 margin.

This bill will:

Provide the President with the authority to increase tariffs on Russian and Belarusian products.

Require the U.S. Trade Representative to seek suspension of Russia's participation in the World Trade Organization (WTO) and to halt Belarus's WTO accession.

Provide the President with the authority to restore normal trade relations with Russia and Belarus if they cease their acts of aggression, subject to Congressional overrule.

Sources:
U.S. Representative Darin Lahood (R-IL, 18th)
U.S. Representative Doug LaMalfa (R-CA, 1st)
U.S. Representative Doug Lamborn (R-CO, 5th)
U.S. Representative Jim Langevin (D-RI, 2nd)
Senator James Lankford (R-OK)
U.S. Representative John B. Larson (D-CT, 1st)
Insider

Ukraine

Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to February 28, 2022

Kuster Statement on Invasion of Ukraine
Source: U.S. Representative Ann Kuster (D-NH, 2nd)
February 24, 2022
“We stand united with our international allies and the people of Ukraine against Russia’s illegal invasion and efforts to change the borders of a sovereign nation by force. President Biden announced sanctions against Russia earlier this week in an effort to prevent this aggression and reinforce NATO. Instead of choosing peace and diplomacy in the best interest of his own nation, Vladimir Putin decided to launch a military operation against Ukraine — the consequences imposed by the United States and our allies and partners will be severe. Vladimir Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine will ultimately leave Russia weakened strategically, economically, and diplomatically.”
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Congressman Krishnamoorthi Warns Russia Against Targeted Killings And War Crimes In Ukraine, Urges Biden Administration To Help Ensure Safety Of President Zelenskyy, Other Officials, And Ukrainian Civilians
Source: U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL, 8th)
February 24, 2022
“As the Russian attacks on Ukraine continue, I urge the Biden Administration to continue to help ensure the safety of President Zelenskyy, the members of his democratically-elected government, anti-Putin dissidents across the region, and the Ukrainian people. Even with Vladimir Putin’s demonstrated record of complete disregard for international law and basic humanity, the targeted killing of elected leaders and the mass assassination of political dissidents would be especially insidious and criminal. We must and will hold all those engaged in these acts accountable for their atrocities.”
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ICYMI - On NPR’s Morning Edition, Klobuchar Emphasizes Importance of International Coordination and Sanctions to Hold Russia Accountable for Unprovoked Invasion of Ukraine
Source: Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
February 24, 2022
“The fact that the world has come out so strongly, I don't think Putin anticipated that…What you're seeing now is a coordinated response which is going to hit him economically,” said Klobuchar. “This is a stronger world that has said enough is enough. And we simply cannot allow Putin to invade democracies around the world like this.”
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Rep. Kinzinger Statement on the Nord Stream 2 Pipeline
Source: U.S. Representative Adam Kinzinger (R-IL, 16th)
February 23, 2022
"To those equating criticism for President Biden as un-American, you are equally wrong and misguided. The facts remain that the Obama/Biden administration allowed Putin to occupy Crimea and the Donbas. Now, we’re watching the Biden/Harris administration allow the further occupation of Ukraine."
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