Our country, to our armed forces, tour business life. To our business life. Is he proud of the fact that somebody elderly people like me are no longer able to get essential assistance because of the policies being pursued by this government . Why is there a cabinet made up of so many multimillionaires . I remember sitting on that side of the house when labor a 75 increase. Government that is taken 3 million of the poorest people out of tax. It is seen the pension go up at 15 pounds a week. We are putting money into the it care system because is a record that compares very favorably with the party opposite. In the week of my 50th earth the 50th anniversary, will he join me in congratulating ken williams for helping to lead the organized anniversary. On top of the 3000 that we party have since his government took power. Publicly, i wish a very happy 50th birthday. At the same time, wish everyone in red its a very happy 50th birthday. I think i have not yet put it in the register of members interest. Absolutely right to be pushing these apprenticeship fairs and job fairs. Read aiming for 2 million apprentices in this parliament. Have 1. 6 million already trained. Is the most important things we can do to provide a strong and secure future for our country. You have been watching prime ministers questions from the british house of commons. Question time airs live on cspan every wednesday at 7 00 am eastern. Watch any time at cspan. Org, where you can find video past prime ministers questions and other British Public affairs programs. Next, a house debate on russian sanctions and 82 ukraine. On thehat a hearing asianpacific region. Then a house hearing on the president s 2015 budget request for nasa. The correspondent ran in a circle. Did not were the film was. I hear it got hit out of her hand. About 35 alive for minutes before they cut her out. Hello, im 16 years old and am ready to start driving. Im very eager, yet im also scared. Many drivers are focusing their attention on their cell phones rather than on the road. Statistics show that distracted driving is incredibly dangerous and that cell phones should have no place behind the wheel. Something needs to be done about this. We have announced the winners of this years cspan student video competition on what the most important issue is for congress to address this year. Watch the video starting tuesday and every weekday throughout the month at 6 50 a. M. See all the winning documentaries online at student cam. Org. On thursday, the house and Senate Passed those that will provide 1 billion in loan guarantees to ukraine. It will impose sanctions on russia. There are differences between the bills. As new to be reconciled before a final measure is sent to the president heard heres the house floor debate on the ukraine bill. It is about 50 minutes. Speaker, president Vladimir Putins decision to forcibly annexed crimea was based on his stock elation that the price would be bearable. In fact, russia is susceptible to pressure. 70 of all the exports of russia are from oil and gas. 52 of the budget that goes to the power behind mr. Putins military and his government comes from that monopoly pricing on natural gas. That supplies the budget for russia. That is what gives him the power to manipulate the situation home of the monopoly over gas that he has in Eastern Europe, to manipulate the situation with respect to the ukraine. Aggressionto check ,rom russia, we must push back and we must Work Together to confront only this monopoly circumstance that exists there, but also to quickly impose tough sanctions on president putin, and on those in have been his accomplices carrying out this aggression. Diplomatically, our european allies have helped to eject russia from the g8, and have suspended all other engagement with russia until this crisis is peacefully resolved. Economically, they have also imposed sanctions against many russian leaders. Our targets must include government officials as well as those who hold no formal position, but who nevertheless exercise great influence over president routines policy president routines policy president Vladimir Putins policy. They have amassed enormous wealth through corruption and through other illegitimate means. We must make clear that if they do not end this crisis, that they have deliberately created by the way, or if they choose to then we and our allies will ratchet up the sanctions pressure. We must also move quickly to strengthen ukraine by reinforcing its sovereignty, its independence and territorial integrity, and assisting the government to make enormous challenges it faces. This bill provides assistance to strengthen Civil Society in corruption,combat to help recover assets stolen by former ukrainian officials, to and thehe Police Justice sector, to promote the independent media, to strengthen ukraines defense and help prepare for the runup to the president ial election which is scheduled now on may 25. I will add that in several weeks , will be leading a delegation bipartisan delegation from this house with mr. Angle to the ukraine. I will add that his forefathers in fact come from the ukraine. We will be there to meet with the parliament, the leadership, the electoral commission, in advance of that election. Also directs assistance already approved by the house to help get the ukrainian economy back on its feet, including by promoting fundamental Economic Reforms in the country. Those tough reforms will be essential. Mr. Speaker, moscow is using to sow confusion and fear and unrest inside the ukraine right now, which it then exploits to justify its actions. To counter that effort, this legislation enhances funding for radio free europe, Radio Liberty , and the voice of america, to expand broadcasting in the russian language, in ukrainian, to provide accurate news and information on the ground across ukraine. No amount of aid will help ukraine to freshen propaganda rules the day. Must be to endy russias ability to use its blackmailerves to ukraine and other countries, including many of our nato allies. Russia supplies 100 of lithuanias natural gas. Well, it might not be that surprising then that lithuania pays the highest price for gas. Gas. Hirds of polands energy sales earn russia not earndollars, but they russia influence, because russia in the dead of winter has turned off the valves. Russias statecontrolled gas topany, gazprom, threatened love supplies to ukraine earlier this month, as it did during the winters of 2006 and 2009. Gazprom has stated that it is preparing to double the price ukraine pays for its natural gas , which could cripple the countrys already weak economy. Now, we have a powerful tool to counter this pressure. It is one that is waiting to be used, and that is our own energy reserves. We must remove restrictions on the export of u. S. Crude oil and natural gas. Have, in fact, a letter to speaker of the house from heads of state of poland, the czech republic, slovakia, hungary, sources, sellctly resources. At the end of the day, if we do flaring of thee gasoline in the states because of a glut. We help reduce her deficits. It increases russias deficits, frankly. It increases jobs and United States, but it comes at a time gripvladimir putin has a on the next of the decisionmakers in Eastern Europe with respect to his power or monopoly on gas. These selfimposed sanctions on ourselves, in terms of not exporting our excess gas, not only boost the us economy and create american jobs as i indicated, but would reduce the Energy Revenues that comprise 52 of the budget for the military and the government in russia. We must break routines energy grip over ukraine we must break president routines energy grip over ukraine. I am working closely with Ranking Member angle of new york and all the members of the committee to produce a strong, effective and muchneeded bipartisan bill. I look forward to its passage today and to working with our Senate Colleagues to have the president signed the bill into law as soon as possible. Mr. Speaker, i reserve the balance of my time. Mr. En from speaker, i yield myself as much time as i may consume. Of thein strong support Ukraine Support act. Let me begin by thanking the chairman of our Foreign Affairs committee, mr. Royce, for a strong leadership on ukraine. As always, he is working with us in a bipartisan and constructive manner on this very important and timely bill. Im very pleased to be the lead democratic cosponsor. I would also like to thank my other democratic and republican colleagues on the Foreign Affairs committee for their important contributions. The United States has long been a steadfast supporter of the democratic roster as an independent ukraine. With the people of ukraine in dire need of assistance and under imminent threat, theres never been a more critical moment to show our support. Resident putins invasion of crimea is a flagrant violation of International Law and russias commitments to its neighbor. The phony and illegal referendum president putin orchestrated at the barrel of a gun has resulted in the first outright annexation of territory in europe since the end of world war ii. Is massingent putin troops on ukraines border threatening to seize more ukrainian territory and incite further violence and conflict. Present pooches destabilizing and dangerous moves that not only ukraine, but other states in the region, including moldova of georgia, and indeed all europe. United states, our European Partners and the entire International Community must take a stand against president routines naked aggression. This legislation reaffirms our strong support for the people of ukraine at this critical time. Rises assistance for ukraine and attempts to help a struggling economy, prepare for democratic elections this spring. It supports ukraines efforts to recover missing assets, to bolster the rule of law, and to professionalize its law enforcement. It supports additional broadcasting to ukraine. Chairman horses been a champion of that. Other countries in the region help counter the hateful propaganda coming from the kremlin and its media outlets. It endorses a deployment of significant numbers of international monitors throughout ukraine to help reduce tensions and ensure security of all ukrainians. Legislation also sends a clear message to president putin and his cronies that their land grab and reckless actions will have serious consequences. This ethically, it supplements the president s efforts to sanction those responsible for violating ukraines sovereignty and international integrity, looting ukraines economy and violating human rights in ukraine. Here, i would like to applaud president obama for opposing measures which have already impacted for proposing measures that have already affected resident putin circle. Affected president putins circle. We reaffirm our commitment to the security of nato and our nato partners in eastern and central europe. Mr. Speaker, the coming days weeks and months will be very difficult for ukraine. His leaders must continue the process of reconciliation and reach out to all regions of the country. Majority andect respect minority and human rights. They must make your decision and take the difficult steps that will return their country to political and economic health. They must do all of this in the face of opposition and likely provocations from president putin and his cronies. As he do so, they and the people of ukraine should know that they have our support. By passing this bill we are making clear that the United States stands with ukraine, and that we are committed to helping its people build a more democratic and prosperous, secure and just state for themselves and their children. If we continue to work with helpne, and continue to ukraine, and turn them westward rather than eastward, then resident putin will have lost. You may have a land grab and crimea, but he will lose the rest of ukraine. Should be doing Everything Possible to make sure that our european allies are working closely with ukraine, offering them the incentives they need so that they will look westward and not eastward. I join my colleagues, i urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important legislation and reserve the balance of my time. Before i do, i want to say, Foreign Policy should be in should be bipartisan whenever possible. I think this bipartisanship at its best. We send a clear message to the people of ukraine that the United States stands with them. It is not a republican or democratic stand, it is an american stand and i am proud to be part of it heard a yield my time back. The gentleman from the german from california is recognized. I yield one minute to mr. Cantor. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I thank the chairman and gentleman from california. Support rise in strong of Ukraine Support act. Vladimir putins recent military invasion and illegal annexation of crimea stand in direct violation of ukraines sovereignty and International Law. His aggression may only continue unless we in america, along with their allies, the spot with strength. Thataper reports indicate president putin may not be content with swallowing crimea whole and that he is now a massing troops on the border with eastern ukraine, and may soon have his eyes on moldova. The eyes of the world are on the United States and our eu and nato partners. Adversaries and allies around the world are watching to see how we respond to this to seeous provocation, whether we mean it when we say president putins actions are unacceptable. It is vitally important that the United States, in conjunction with our eu and nato allies, send an unmistakable signal that this aggression will not be tolerated. Together, we must be prepared to exact a significant cost for russias behavior. Will be metactions with the firmest of resolve. This is the First Step Towards supporting the ukrainians and our central and European Partners. Only a first step. We must fundamentally reassess our assumptions about russia and acknowledge that president putin himself scrapped the administrations recent policy theime ago administration set policy a long time ago. Need a new grand strategy. We need a Foreign Policy that stands up for our allies and stands up to our adversaries. We need to prioritize defense in our budget so that we maintain a military that can respond promptly to contingencies around the world and that instills fear in our enemies, while reassuring our allies. , modest thoughl it may be, will prove to be the march top on a long restore americas defenses and alliances. Now, more than ever, the threats to the very fabric of the International System require an america that leads. Thank for much of gentleman from california, chairman royce, and Ranking Member angle, and the rest of the committee on Foreign Affairs for their bipartisan work, for all of their efforts on this issue, and theres my colleagues in the house to support our friends in ukraine by passing this bill. I yield back. The german from virginia has yielded back. The gentlemen from new york is recognized. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I now yield three minutes to a very distinguished member of our committee, the gentleman from virginia, mr. Conley. The gentleman is recognized for three minutes. I thank my friend and congratulate mr. Angle and the chairman, mr. Royce, for the bipartisan leadership on this critical resolution. , apparently once a kgb agent always a kgb agent. Mr. Putin seems have learned nothing from history other than that there is power at the end of the barrel of a gun. The fact that there are russian speakers and crimea as a rationale for one of the most audacious power grabs of the 21stcentury, in europe no less, forgets history. Let us not forget the crimea was settled by stalin. This was also done at the end of the barrel of a gun. Russian interests were never threatened in the crimea after the revolution in kiev. The new government in kiev never abrogated the treaty that allowed russia privileges, naval privileges, through 2042. The ukranians didnt occupy military stations in crimea and around the region. It was the other way around. But the United States and its allies to allow this naked aggression to go unaddressed would be truly an abrogation of our moral responsibility and turn our backs on the very lessons we should have learned from 20th century tragic history. Mr. Speaker, we need to stop lking about the im stuck on crimea and i hope my colleagues are, too. It is wrong, it cannot be allowed to stand, and we must make him pay a price. And the difference between now and stalins time is that his economy is integrated into the global economy. The ruble will fall, the stock market in russia will pay a price, investment will suffer because we will help make it so unless he relents. Until they pay a price thats so great, systematic and comprehensive, that he will understand that we no longer operate by the rule of the jungle in europe or indeed anywhere else in this planet. Not with our blessing. Not with our apology. So i strongly support the legislation before us and urge my colleagues to join with all of us in telling mr. Putin, we will not stand idly by with history doomed to repeat itself. I yield back to the gentleman from new york. Thank the speaker. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from virginia has yielded back. The gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Royce mr. Speaker, i yield three minutes to the gentleman from new jersey, mr. Smith, chairman of the Foreign Affairs subcommittee on africa, global health, global human rights, and international organizations. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from new jersey is recognized for three minutes. Mr. Smith mr. Speaker, i rise in strong support of the ukranian support act. I want to thank my friends and colleagues, chairman royce and Ranking Member engel for introducing this comprehensive legislation to support ukraine and its urgent effort to meet its current crisis, including building up its Democratic Institutions. Mr. Speaker, russias land grab in crimea violates the Core Principles of several bilateral and multilateral agreements and treaties between ukraine and russia. The buddha pest memorandum, the United Nations charter, as well as the hell sinka helsinki final act. This includes strong sanctions against russians directly responsible for the aggression. H. R. 4278 also authorizes targeted sanctions against ukranians involved in undermining the democratic processes and provides assistance to the ukranian government for identifying and recovering stolen assets. It is after all these criminal officials, including and especiallyiana could he vitch yanokovich who have so harmed the ukranian people. Another key provision of the bill provides support for ukraines democracy and Civil Society and i want to recognize the importance of supporting as well the faithbased groups and organizations that played such a prominent role, particularly on the humanitarian side, in supporting the movement for democracy and the rule of law. The ukraineian Democracy Movement is in charge part a religious movement. Orthodox and catholic clergy for example were prominent in the protest, and the drama of priests carrying icons, confronting soldiers became as much a symbol of the Democratization Movement as anything else. Again when people were wounded, when people were being dragged away, it was the clergy that tried to step in to mitigate the violence against them. Let me also point out that a Catholic News Service article that just hit the wire points out that members of the Ukranian Catholic church are fleaing cry me fleeing crimea to escape threats of arrest and property seizures. The situation, quote, remains very serious and we dont know what will happen. The new government here is portraying us as nationalists and extremists. A parish representativeelector in crimea. He said that officials from the Russian Security service, or f. S. B. , had called him in for questioning about his community and asked whether or not he recognized the new order. He pointed out that one priest in particular was actually beaten by russian forces, and again members will recall, i remember during the 1980s when i first came here how so many within the church, including orthodox church, were beaten, sent to the gulag because of their religious faith. This could be the harbinger of a new wave of repression against people of faith. Ukranian Catholic Church by way of reminder was one of those churches that was outlawed during soviet times, and now we see the same kind of reputation of that kind of repression. This legislation is a clear step in the right direction. No peace of legislation is will do it all. We have to appeal to the russians to stop this. But again cease the persecution of people in the crimea. The speaker pro tempore the time of the gentleman from new jersey has expired. The gentleman from new york is recognized. Mr. Engel thank you, mr. Speaker. Its now my pleasure to yield three minutes to the democratic whip, the gentleman from maryland, mr. Hoyer. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from maryland is recognized. Mr. Hoyer i thank my friend, the Ranking Member, mr. Engel from new york, and i thank mr. Royce, the chairman of the committee, for bringing this bill to the floor. And working in a bipartisan fashion to affect an objective that i strongly support. I thank both of them for their work. The ongoing russian aggression against ukraine is unacceptable. In a gross violation of International Law. I agree with president obama that russias acting from a position of weakness, however. Strong nations do not invade and annex territory from their smaller neighbors by force. And strong nations do not suppress the Free Expression of ideas and the voices of dissent within their own society. Those are the hallmarks not of a great nation but insecure bully. Great nations are those that stand together to reaffirm the principles of liberty and international order. Great nations are those that commit to peaceful diplomacy while protecting free and open debate among our citizens. The American People continue to stand with the people of ukraine, mr. Speaker, because we believe they have a right to join the nations of the world that are free and able to shape their own future. That is why through this bill we pledge our support as the new government in kiev works to stabilize its economy, provide security to its citizens, and ensure that all ukranians are afforded the opportunities that come with vibrant, Democratic Institutions and basic freedoms. That is what this bill offers the people of ukraine. What it offers president putin and his associates is an opportunity to end their misguided, unjustified, and illegal incursion in ukraines internal affairs. Because it affords them a choice, mr. Speaker, that here the International Law and end their aggression or face increasingly punitive sanction that is will further isolate russia from the global community. The one item miss interesting this otherwise strong bill, unfortunately, is ratification of i. M. F. Quota reform. I hope the house will take action on that piece soon. However, this is a good bill. We ought to support this bill. We ought to pass this bill and send mr. Putin a clear message that the United States congress and the nation we represent will not stand for russias actions and that we are ready to help ukraine reach for the future it so richly deserves. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from maryland yields back. The gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Royce mr. Speaker, i yield three minutes to the gentleman from california, mr. Rohrabacher , chairman of the Foreign Affairs subcommittee on europe,ure asia, and meerging threats eurasia, and emerging threats. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california, mr. Rohrabacher, is recognized for three minutes. Mr. Rohrabacher mr. Speaker, i rise in opposition to this legislation, and i realize that i am a lone voice, or almost a lone voice in this discussion today. I see this legislation as a bipartisan green light to reigniting the cold war. Unfortunately, many of my friends and colleagues, both colleagues today and my friends from the time when i spent in the reagan white house, seven years, many of these people feel that the cold war is not over. That it never did end. They are more comfortable with that with treating russia as if it was still under communist rule. Well, putin is not a communist leader. Putin is a nationalist who loves his country. And hes looking out for the National Interest of his country. For us to try to demonize him and try to suggest that he is doing this like he did in the cold war, and k. G. B. ,ets, is not doing the cause of peace any good in ukraine, a democratically elected president , this is what started this whole slide in the wrong direction toward the type of confrontation we are having today, that a democratically elected president was removed from power. This precipitated, and that was a democratically elected president who is more inclined towards better relations with russia, he was removed from power and then the russian government under mr. Putin decided to ensure the people of crimea the right to selfdetermination, because even secretary of state kerry has verified and testified before our committee that the people of crimea obviously want to be part of russia. This is not a power grab. This is defending their right for selfdetermination. Certainly the people of crimea have the right to make that determination, judgment as the people of kosovo had their right to leave serbia behind. Our military action there to try to protect the right of selfdetermination of the kosovo people, it cost many, many lives and this Russian Military move, which is called this power grab, has resulted in the loss of one life. That is in stark contrast to when we bombed bell grad, we bombed serbia. Now, this should not be we should not permit ourselves to reignite a cold war, we should make sure shah we realize that the actions that we are taking here, suggesting the United States must rush in and be the arbiter in every one of these type of conflicts, is only stretching our budget, but in this particular bill, we are going to, what, put our name on a loan of 800 million to a country that were going to have to borrow the money from china to get. The United States can no longer afford to write every right every wrong in the world and be the arbiter. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. Mr. Rohrabacher wed be ash traiting in the wrong ash traiting in the wrong direction. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california is recognized. I yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. I thank the gentleman. Mr. Royce part of our problem here is with president putins definition of what is the russian nation in his speech. When he says the russian nation is divided by borders, he is sending a message that with respect not just to crimea, but other areas throughout europe, that russia may be staking a claim. And heres the difficulty. In crimea, yes, the population today is majority ethnic russian. But there was a time when before joe stalin moved a wide segment of the population into beria and before the force collection, there was a time when the majority population is very different than it is today. 56 of those ethnic of that ethnic group perished. But this is a problem that we also have in Eastern Europe and in eastern and southern ukraine. Because you had some eight million ukrainians also perish during stalins rule and ethnic russians came into that area as a consequence. Now, the thing we need to remember is that it is in fact the russianspeaking population in the east, as well as the ukrainianspeaking in the west, that voted for independence for ukraine. That voted strongly to have a separate state. And if the this issue is allowed to stand without the world responding, the question is, is that argument then made in latvia and estonia . Is that argument made in all of the former russian states . I do not think in any way this is comparable to kosovo. In kosovo nato responded to a Brutal Campaign of ethnic cleansing by former ugeslaskian forces. In crimea, russia attempted to justify its actions by fabricating the myth of widespread violence against the ethnic russian population. Even going as far as to equate it to the bloodshed occurring in syria. Clearly this is not true. We know its not true. In terms of the election itself, opponents were sigh lenlsed, international silenced, international monitors were barred, crimean charters themselves boycotted the very election. Voters were not given the option of preserving crimeas current status within ukraine. Independence and de facto independence were the only options. And the bogus vote there was also unnecessary because the Ukrainian Government had made it clear that it was willing to discuss increased autonomy for crimea. Now, here is the problem going forward. We know the view taken internationally on this subject. The u. N. Security council condemns russias unprovoked aggression against ukraine and russia stood alone, stood slupetly alone in this case absolutely alone in this case. Because even ukrainians themselves have gone to the sites of the Russian Media reported attacks against ethnic russian minorities to show that is not occurring. Hat is in fact propaganda. We cant let this stand. One of the other things were doing in this bill is improving our broadcasting into ukraine in the region to dispel these myths and spread the truth about the situation there. So, im going to reserve the balance of my time at this time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman from new york is ecognized. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I now yield two minutes to the gentlewoman from texas, ms. Jackson lee. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady is recognized for two minutes. Ms. Jackson lee let me thank the managers of this legislation, the chairman of the Foreign Affairs committee, and the Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs committee for their leadership and for their commitment as i acknowledge the other body as well. This morning a bright announcement came from mr. Putin, that he was drawing russians to a program of exercise in the name of labor and defense. Someone said reminiscent of s drew tory, when other their nations together in Massive Public exercises to show the world that they were not going to be part of the world order. I believe that we should be engaged, that diplomacy is right. I also dont believe in condemnation of a nation purely for its ideological disagreement. But in this instance it is important for the United States to make a public stand. As a member of the interparliamentarian exchange, meeting with europeans over the years, i know that they are proud of the democracy that theyve maintained since the horrors of world war ii. Today the United States, the pass and of this legislation and ultimately hopefully the signing by the president will tell the world that the United States stands firmly on democratic principles. The people of ukraine, those in kiev and places around, still have the knowledge that america stands by it economically, with loan guarantees, but it also stands against a despot who has illegally moved into a sovereign nation with no provocation, undermining the military base of ukraine. And so id ask my colleagues to join against a despot and for a people and support the underlying legislation. I thank mr. Engel for the time. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleladys time has expired. The gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Royce i yield two minutes to the gentleman from texas, mr. Poe, chairman of the Foreign Affairs subcommittee on terrorism, nonproliferation and trade. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from texas is recognized for two minutes. Mr. Poe i thank the chairman for the time and i also thank the chairman and the Ranking Member for bringing this legislation to the floor and a very speedy and efficient manner in a very speedy and efficient manner. I will also say i have Great Respect for my friend from california, mr. Rohrabacher. He knows a lot about Foreign Affairs. But we disagree on what the evidence shows in this particular matter. Mr. Speaker, mark twain once said that history doesnt repeat itself, but it does rhyme. Well, russias quite the poet these days. In 2008 russia invaded georgia. Confiscated 1 3 of that nations territory. The world watched. Complained a little bit. The world moved on. There were no consequences. And the russians, mr. Speaker, are still there. Again, second verse, same as the first. The napoleon of siberia has invaded ukraine and seized crimea. Putin is bent on establishing a sovietstyle empire and allegedly uniting russianspeaking people throughout the world. Who knows who his next target will be . It could be our friends in maldovea, the rest of ukraine, or estonia. Russia has been able to maintain dominance over the region because of its vast energy sources, especially natural gas. Six countries in europe rely 100 on russia for their natural gas. Russia uses gas as a political and economic weapon to manipulate these countries. I was in ukraine in winter when russia turned off the gas for political reasons. It was cold. It was dark. This bill helps disarm that hostage tactic. It includes my amendment that commits the u. S. To helping ukraine use american natural gas. There must be consequences for the bully putin, for invading other nations like ukraine. Justice requires there be consequences. And, mr. Speaker, justice is what we do. And thats just the way it is. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. The gentleman from new york is recognized. Mr. Engel thank you, mr. Speaker. May i inquire of how much time each of us has . The speaker pro tempore the gentleman has eight minutes remaining. And the gentleman from california has no minutes remaining. Mr. Engel has none . The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from californias time has expired. Mr. Engel i ask unanimous consent that the gentleman from california be allowed to control three minutes of my remaining time. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Engel thank you very much, mr. Speaker. What were doing this morning is the congress at its best. What were doing this morning is standing up to a bully and telling him that his actions will not stand. What were doing is saying that in the 21st century, it is no longer acceptable for dictators to invade other countries. And what were saying to the people of ukraine is that we stand behind you, were with you, we havent forgotten you and were going to do Everything Possible to make you whole again. Were going to do Everything Possible to let you know that the west wants to partner with you. Were going to do Everything Possible to stand up for freedom and democracy with you. I think thats a very noble cause. Its not pie in the sky. No ones advocating a war with boots on the ground against russia. But we are advocating that there has to be some standards in the world. If we let putin get away with this, then it sends a green light to putin that he can continue to do this and to every other despot and dictator around the world that they can do whatever they like and the world is just indifferent or too afraid to act. I think this is a opportunity an opportunity and i think this is a time when one day well be able to say to our grandchildren that we acted together. I want to again commend chairman royce for working with me in a bipartisan fashion and we will be going to ukraine together in a few short weeks to show the ukrainian people that america stands with them. I urge my colleagues again to support the bill and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Royce thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield one minute to the gentleman from indiana, mr. Messer, a member of the committee on Foreign Affairs. Mr. Messer thank you. Mr. Speaker, i rise in support of this important bipartisan bill and commend chairman royce and Ranking Member engel for bringing this measure forward. Todays legislation makes clear that as a nation we speak with one voice regarding russias aggression. The situation in the ukraine is undoubtedly complex. The history between crimea and russia dates back centuries, close to 60 of the population identifies as ethnic russians. But several facts are clear. Russia has amassed troops and perpetrated a breach of International Law with its unwarranted aggression. The elections in crimea took place under an illegal occupation, it did not resemble anything close to a real election. And consequently the results should not and cannot be recognized. Lastly, there is little doubt that if the world does not act, russias territorial aggression will expand and continue. Whatever the complexities, this invasion of a sovereign country is not justified. Period. Todays bill makes clear america will not tolerate russias territorial aggression in ukraine or elsewhere. I urge my colleagues to support it. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. The gentleman from new york is recognized. Mr. Engel may i inquire, mr. Speaker, how much remaining time i have . The speaker pro tempore the gentleman has 3 1 2 minutes remaining. Mr. Engel ok. Then i yield two minutes to the gentleman from michigan, the Ranking Member of the ways and means committee, mr. Levin. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from michigan is recognized for two minutes. Without objection. Mr. Levin i rise in strong support of this bill. As ukraine is fighting for its independence and the people of ukraine are fighting to preserve and to deepen their democracy, we must stand squarely with them. Its been said here, including by the majority leader, that this is a first step. And id like to make very clear we really should be taking in this bill another step. We should be in this bill as was proposed in the senate and by many of us some assistance to make sure that the i. M. F. Can perform its fullest role. That was the preference of president obama. He made it clear we should ac