Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Speaker, Israel is a shining beacon of democracy in the Middle East. As she celebrates her 75th anniversary, I appreciate being joined by my colleagues to mark this important milestone of affirming our support for the U.S.-Israel relationship.

As chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia, I am grateful to mark the historic 75th anniversary of Israel with a strong commitment to the partnership of our two countries.

Since its creation, the United States has supported the Jewish state with bipartisan support from Congress, working to build a strong security, intelligence, and defense relationship enshrined by shared values and mutually strategic interests.

A strong and secure Israel is a vital pillar of the national security policy of America in the Middle East for mutual benefit of stability for all countries of the Middle East.

Congress has continually worked to support Israel with annual security assistance, defense cooperation, and an emerging relationship in key areas, including agriculture, high tech, homeland security, cybersecurity, science, space, and health.

Both of our countries are committed to democracy and justice, and we continue to look for new ways to integrate Israel into the region, such as expanding the historic Abraham Accords that were promoted by President Donald Trump that normalized ties between Israel and our Arab allies--the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan.

Instead of boycotts and isolation, I am encouraged that our Gulf allies see the future of Israel as working with the Middle East to tackle regional problems.

Most importantly, Congress has marked the historic Abraham Accords by passing the Israel Relations Normalization Act of 2021 and encouraging more of our Middle East allies to deepen and expand their cooperation with Israel.

Israel is the democratic anchor of the Middle East, and Congress will continue to support important regional cooperation through partnerships for peace and prosperity, including the Negev Forum.

We support Israel's right to defend herself against terrorism, and we are inspired by the Israeli resistance in the face of mounting threats. The borders of Israel are continually threatened by Iranian-backed groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

Congress reaffirms its support for Israel's security by annually funding $500 million for cooperative missile defense programs to help Israel meet these growing threats funded by the Iranian regime.

Without lifesaving defensive systems like the Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Arrow 3, both Israelis and Arabs living in the region would be more endangered than ever.

Israel is also threatened by continued efforts of the Iranian regime to get nuclear weapons. We are all concerned by the Iranian regime advancement of highly enriched uranium, advanced centrifuges, and its ballistic missile program, which it has never stopped despite every effort of the Iran nuclear deal, which was such a fraud.

Sadly, the Iranians never stopped developing ICBMs to attack Israel and attack, ultimately, of course, sadly, the people of the United States.

When the extremists chant ``death to America, death to Israel,'' they pledge to wipe Israel off the map by vaporization.

We will continue to support efforts to enforce sanctions on the Iranian regime to cut off their resources and commitment to obtaining nuclear weapons.

As we look to the growing challenges ahead and compete with the Chinese Communist Party, we must continue to work with our trusted and strategic ally to advance U.S. interests, as we also need to address war criminal Putin in his invasion, aggression, and mass murder being conducted, sadly, in Ukraine as we speak tonight.

I am grateful to have authored H.R. 1777, the United States-Israel Future of Warfare Act, to meet increasing threats in areas of emerging technology by establishing a research and development fund to deepen defense collaboration with Israel.

Having visited Israel on several occasions, including the opening of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem in 2018, a highlight of my service has been to lead the House delegation to the U.S. Embassy May 14 opening in Jerusalem with Ambassador David Friedman, fulfilling promises made, promises kept by President Donald Trump.

I will always cherish the warmth of the people. I am grateful to partner with Israel and look forward to engaging with our ally under the valued leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the charge ahead to prepare and confront the challenges of the next 75 years.

May the U.S.-Israel relationship continue to flourish. May we continue to promote our shared interests in supporting democracy, peace, and cooperation throughout the region.

Mr. Speaker, over the last week, I have had an extraordinary opportunity to truly appreciate the people of Jewish faith and what they have had to face. I visited Nuremburg in Germany, Courtroom 600, where the Nazi leadership anti-Semites were convicted of the Holocaust, murdering 6 million Jews. I was there to see the site of where these perpetrators, these Nazi murderers were ultimately executed.

Additionally, I had the opportunity over the weekend to visit Warsaw, Poland, the extraordinary people today of Poland, where I witnessed the Museum of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, where Jews heroically resisted the mass murder by the Nazis as the Soviets, sadly, were adjacent, shamefully stood by within sight of the city of Warsaw and did not help.

This really reminds us that the Russian people have been abused in the past by their leadership, whether it be Joseph Stalin or now-war criminal Putin. However, the people of Poland have resumed, they have the second fastest growing economy in the world, as they have escaped from Communist totalitarian oppression. So we know that ultimately good will prevail, as we see in the State of Israel today.

Mr. Speaker, as we proceed, it should always be remembered that the United States and Israel have a long experience of a strong mutual beneficial relationship based on shared values and security interests, while also promoting peace and regional stability.

The United States and Israel face many shared threats. It is critical that Israel and the United States are at the forefront of emerging technology.

I was grateful to introduce the bipartisan U.S.-Israel Future of Warfare Act of 2023, which provides for collaboration between the two countries in the areas of defense, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and directed energy. This is done in a bipartisan manner with Congressmen Steve Cohen of Tennessee, David Cicilline of Rhode Island, and Dean Phillips of Minnesota. Over and over again, this is bipartisan, and I am grateful that we worked together to promote our shared mutual interests with the people of Israel.

Israel's experience in combating terrorism is an invaluable resource in developing strategies to protect American families. The U.S.-Israel partnership supports over 255,000 American jobs. Bilateral trade has grown to over $49 billion annually.

Israel is the leader in healthcare development. From cancer development to emergency response, Israel is a trusted partner to improve quality of life around the world.

As we conclude, I would point out that my appreciation of the Jewish State of Israel is something that I was born with. I was very grateful to be born in the holy city of Charleston, South Carolina.

As we claim holy, it is not to disparage Jerusalem. We just have a significant number of churches that legitimately it can be the holy city of Charleston.

Growing up in Charleston, a very important fact is that at the time of the American Revolution the largest Jewish population in the New World was in Charleston, South Carolina.

The first provincial constitution to recognize Judaism as a religion was the provincial constitution of the province of South Carolina.

The first Jewish elected official was in the provincial assembly of South Carolina.

Sadly, the first Jewish American patriot killed in the American Revolution was in Charleston, South Carolina.

The people of South Carolina just cherish our relationship with the people of Jewish faith, and we are strong supporters of the State of Israel.

Mr. Speaker, as long as drugs have been used, they have been abused, destroying families. Availability is skyrocketing due to the Biden failures at the southern border.

It is shocking that nearly 140 million Americans have illicitly used drugs at some point in their life. Sadly, South Carolina has not escaped this scourge. In the last 2 years, South Carolina drug overdose deaths involving fentanyl have increased by more than 35 percent. Sadly, 1,500 deaths are recorded.

The Republican majority is focused on the needs of families. In January, I cosponsored the Stop Fentanyl Act. This important legislation is a deterrence for fentanyl-related offenses, which are aggravated by the Biden failures at the southern border, putting all families at risk.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, who successfully protected America for 20 years, as the global war on terrorism continues moving from the Afghanistan safe haven to America.

Best wishes on International Day of Families, coordinated by OIF president Brian Brown.

Mr. Speaker, Biden border policies jeopardize national security and endanger all American families everywhere from terrorist attacks by illegal aliens.

According to The Washington Times editorial of April 4, ``The effects of the President's policies have been glaringly apparent, particularly to citizens residing along the northbound thoroughfares into the Southwest.''

U.S. Customs and Border Protection reports 212,266 border encounters in February, bringing the figure thus far in fiscal year 2023 to 1.3 million illegal aliens.

The cause of the border chaos can clearly be traced to Biden administration policies. Title 42, a Trump-era policy allowing rapid deportation of border crossers, expires May 11, today. There is every reason to anticipate a larger surge of eager recipients.

For Mr. Biden, immigration reform is to be achieved without the bother of congressional approval. Rather than lifting civilizations to new heights, he is splintering its foundations.

In conclusion, God bless our troops who successfully protected America for 20 years, as the global war on terrorism continues moving from the Afghanistan safe haven to America.

In the real world, if guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns.

Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. Speaker, last month, I was grateful to join House Republicans in passing the Limit, Save, Grow Act, which will limit government spending, reduce the Federal regulatory state, and promote pro-growth energy and economic policies, creating jobs. House Republicans, led by Speaker Kevin McCarthy, have acted responsibly to address the debt limit deadline.

On behalf of American families now and in the future, this legislation should next pass the Senate.

Americans are struggling every day with 40-year-high inflation, jobs destroyed, rising gas prices, and the highest interest rates in decades. Unfortunately, President Biden has insisted on a blank check to increase the debt ceiling without any reforms on how Biden spends and wastes taxpayer money.

This legislation will save an estimated $4.8 trillion over 10 years, maintaining a strong national defense and protecting Medicare and Social Security.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, who successfully protected America for 20 years as the global war on terrorism continues moving from the Afghanistan safe haven to America.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful as Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission to have participated in a Congressional Delegation to Germany, Poland, and Ukraine with Ranking Member Steve Cohen and Congresswoman Victoria Spartz.

With the leadership of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe Executive Director Steven Schrage in Berlin we met with Justice State Secretary Dr. Angelika Schlunck, National Security Advisor Jens Ploetner, Ministry of Foreign Affairs State Secretary Andreas Michaelis, and Ministry of Defense Director Jasper Wieck. It is inspiring Germany stands firm with Ukraine. This was the same day Speaker Kevin McCarthy forcefully announced, ``I support aid for Ukraine . . . I do not support killing children.''

After visiting Nuremberg, Lt. Gen. Andrew Rohling welcomed the delegation to the 7th Army Grafenwoehr Training Area. Led by COL Matt Braman and COL Kendall Clarke in Poland, we also visited the 10th Mountain Division trainers, who were enthusiastically serving.

Next at Bucha, Ukraine, survivors of the war criminal Putin's mass murder testified coordinated with dedicated Mayor Anatolii Fedoruk. Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov thanked America for its support which was a prelude to a meeting with courageous President Volodymyr Zelenskyy who emphasized his gratitude for American commitment for democracy with attendance by U.S. Ambassador Bridget Brink and U.S. Ambassador Mike Carpenter who both represent America so well.

Warsaw was the concluding visit with U.S. Ambassador Mark Brzezinski and Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Arkadiusz Mularczyk. Poland will always be cherished for welcoming millions of Ukrainians who have fled war criminal Putin.

Friends of democracy are inspired by courageous Ukrainians capably supported by our appreciated allies of Germany and Poland in the global competition between democracies with rule of law opposing authoritarians with rule of gun.

In conclusion, God Bless our troops, who successfully protected America for 20 years, as the Global War on Terrorism continues moving from the Afghanistan safe haven to America.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful as chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission to have led a bipartisan congressional delegation to Germany, Poland, and Ukraine with Representatives Steve Cohen and Victoria Spartz.

In Berlin, we met with Justice State Secretary Dr. Angelika Schlunck, National Security Advisor Jens Ploetner, Ministry of Foreign Affairs State Secretary Andreas Michaelis, and Ministry of Defense Director Jasper Wieck.

After visiting Nuremberg, Lieutenant General Andrew Rohling welcomed the delegation to the 7th Army Grafenwoehr Training Area and the 10th Mountain Division trainers.

At Bucha, Ukraine, survivors of the war criminal Putin's mass murder shared stories with us, and Mayor Anatolii Fedoruk joined us. Additionally, we were joined by U.S. Ambassador Bridget Brink, U.S. Ambassador Mike Carpenter, and Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov to thank America for the support given to efforts in Ukraine prior to meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who emphasized his gratitude for the American commitment for democracy.

We concluded in Warsaw with U.S. Ambassador Mark Brzezinski and Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Arkadiusz Mularczyk.

Friends of democracy are inspired by the courageous Ukrainians supported by our valued allies of Germany and Poland.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, who successfully protected America for 20 years as the global war on terrorism continues moving from the Afghanistan safe haven to America.

Mr. Speaker, we appreciate your service for the citizens of Missouri.

General Leave

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, Israel is a shining beacon of democracy in the Middle East. As she celebrates her 75th anniversary, I appreciate being joined by my colleagues to mark this important milestone of affirming our support for the U.S.-Israel relationship.

As chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia, I am grateful to mark the historic 75th anniversary of Israel with a strong commitment to the partnership of our two countries.

Since its creation, the United States has supported the Jewish state with bipartisan support from Congress, working to build a strong security, intelligence, and defense relationship enshrined by shared values and mutually strategic interests.

A strong and secure Israel is a vital pillar of the national security policy of America in the Middle East for mutual benefit of stability for all countries of the Middle East.

Congress has continually worked to support Israel with annual security assistance, defense cooperation, and an emerging relationship in key areas, including agriculture, high tech, homeland security, cybersecurity, science, space, and health.

Both of our countries are committed to democracy and justice, and we continue to look for new ways to integrate Israel into the region, such as expanding the historic Abraham Accords that were promoted by President Donald Trump that normalized ties between Israel and our Arab allies--the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan.

Instead of boycotts and isolation, I am encouraged that our Gulf allies see the future of Israel as working with the Middle East to tackle regional problems.

Most importantly, Congress has marked the historic Abraham Accords by passing the Israel Relations Normalization Act of 2021 and encouraging more of our Middle East allies to deepen and expand their cooperation with Israel.

Israel is the democratic anchor of the Middle East, and Congress will continue to support important regional cooperation through partnerships for peace and prosperity, including the Negev Forum.

We support Israel's right to defend herself against terrorism, and we are inspired by the Israeli resistance in the face of mounting threats. The borders of Israel are continually threatened by Iranian-backed groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

Congress reaffirms its support for Israel's security by annually funding $500 million for cooperative missile defense programs to help Israel meet these growing threats funded by the Iranian regime.

Without lifesaving defensive systems like the Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Arrow 3, both Israelis and Arabs living in the region would be more endangered than ever.

Israel is also threatened by continued efforts of the Iranian regime to get nuclear weapons. We are all concerned by the Iranian regime advancement of highly enriched uranium, advanced centrifuges, and its ballistic missile program, which it has never stopped despite every effort of the Iran nuclear deal, which was such a fraud.

Sadly, the Iranians never stopped developing ICBMs to attack Israel and attack, ultimately, of course, sadly, the people of the United States.

When the extremists chant ``death to America, death to Israel,'' they pledge to wipe Israel off the map by vaporization.

We will continue to support efforts to enforce sanctions on the Iranian regime to cut off their resources and commitment to obtaining nuclear weapons.

As we look to the growing challenges ahead and compete with the Chinese Communist Party, we must continue to work with our trusted and strategic ally to advance U.S. interests, as we also need to address war criminal Putin in his invasion, aggression, and mass murder being conducted, sadly, in Ukraine as we speak tonight.

I am grateful to have authored H.R. 1777, the United States-Israel Future of Warfare Act, to meet increasing threats in areas of emerging technology by establishing a research and development fund to deepen defense collaboration with Israel.

Having visited Israel on several occasions, including the opening of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem in 2018, a highlight of my service has been to lead the House delegation to the U.S. Embassy May 14 opening in Jerusalem with Ambassador David Friedman, fulfilling promises made, promises kept by President Donald Trump.

I will always cherish the warmth of the people, and I am grateful to partner with our ally in the charge ahead to prepare and confront the challenges of the next 75 years.

May the U.S.-Israel relationship continue to flourish. May we continue to promote our shared interests in supporting democracy, peace, and cooperation throughout the region.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bacon).

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Strong).

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Gottheimer).

Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Gottheimer.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. LaMalfa).

Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman LaMalfa. We appreciate his leadership and tireless efforts on behalf of the people of Israel.

Mr. Speaker, over the last week, I have had an extraordinary opportunity to truly appreciate the people of Jewish faith and what they have had to face. I visited Nuremburg in Germany, Courtroom 600, where the Nazi leadership anti-Semites were convicted of the Holocaust, murdering 6 million Jews. I was there to see the site of where these perpetrators, these Nazi murderers were ultimately executed.

Additionally, I had the opportunity over the weekend to visit Warsaw, Poland, the extraordinary people today of Poland, where I witnessed the Museum of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, where Jews heroically resisted the mass murder by the Nazis as the Soviets, sadly, were adjacent, shamefully stood by within sight of the city of Warsaw and did not help.

This really reminds us that the Russian people have been abused in the past by their leadership, whether it be Joseph Stalin or now-war criminal Putin. However, the people of Poland have resumed, they have the second fastest growing economy in the world, as they have escaped from Communist totalitarian oppression. So we know that ultimately good will prevail, as we see in the State of Israel today.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. McCormick).

Mr. Speaker, as we proceed, it should always be remembered that the United States and Israel have a long experience of a strong mutual beneficial relationship based on shared values and security interests, while also promoting peace and regional stability.

The United States and Israel face many shared threats. It is critical that Israel and the United States are at the forefront of emerging technology.

I was grateful to introduce the bipartisan U.S.-Israel Future of Warfare Act of 2023, which provides for collaboration between the two countries in the areas of defense, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and directed energy. This is done in a bipartisan manner with Congressmen Steve Cohen of Tennessee, David Cicilline of Rhode Island, and Dean Phillips of Minnesota. Over and over again, this is bipartisan, and I am grateful that we worked together to promote our shared mutual interests with the people of Israel.

Israel's experience in combating terrorism is an invaluable resource in developing strategies to protect American families. The U.S.-Israel partnership supports over 255,000 American jobs. Bilateral trade has grown to over $49 billion annually.

Israel is the leader in healthcare development. From cancer development to emergency response, Israel is a trusted partner to improve quality of life around the world.

As we conclude this evening, I would point out that my appreciation of the Jewish State of Israel is something that I was born with. I was very grateful to be born in the holy city of Charleston, South Carolina.

As we claim holy, it is not to disparage Jerusalem. We just have a significant number of churches that legitimately it can be the holy city of Charleston.

Growing up in Charleston, a very important fact is that at the time of the American Revolution the largest Jewish population in the New World was in Charleston, South Carolina.

The first provincial constitution to recognize Judaism as a religion was the provincial constitution of the province of South Carolina.

The first Jewish elected official was in the provincial assembly of South Carolina.

Sadly, the first Jewish American patriot killed in the American Revolution was in Charleston, South Carolina.

The people of South Carolina just cherish our relationship with the people of Jewish faith, and we are strong supporters of the State of Israel.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 9 o'clock and 54 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at 10 a.m. for morning-hour debate.

Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 70th anniversary of the South Korea and United States alliance, formed in October 1953, with the signing of a mutual defense agreement at the end of the Korean War. Over the past seven decades, the alliance has proved to be successful, as the goal of protecting South Korea, specifically from another North Korea invasion has been achieved.

South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, is one of the United States most valuable economic and strategic partners in Asia. South Korea is now our sixth largest trading partner, and we are their second largest, behind China.

Thursday, I was grateful to greet His Excellency Yoon Suk Yeol, President of Korea, to the Capitol and attend his address to the joint meeting of Congress along with my good Korean-American friend, Mr. Jaehoon Choe, who is also a fellow South Carolinian.

Amazingly the President cited ``Known as the `Miracle on the Han River,' Korea's economic growth rate was unrivaled. Korea was one of the Least Developed Countries after the war. Its annual income was just U.S. $67 per capita. Now its economy ranks tenth in the world.'' Today, South Korea per capita is $33,340 as North Korea is estimated a gruesome $1,298.

In His Excellency's address he stated, ``My friends, freedom and democracy are once again under threat. The war against Ukraine is a violation of international law. It is an attempt to unilaterally change the status quo with force. Korea strongly condemns the unprovoked armed attack against Ukraine.

``When North Korea invaded us in 1950, democracies came running to help us. We fought together and kept our freedom. The rest is history.

``Korea's experience shows us just how important it is for democracies to uphold solidarity. Korea will stand in solidarity with the free world. We will actively work to safeguard the freedom of the people of Ukraine and support their efforts in reconstruction.''

South Korea is well represented in Washington with Ambassador Cho Hyun-dong who effectively promotes Seoul for defense and job creation for Korea and America.

As our military continues the fight in the War on Terrorism, we can find inspiration in remembering the Korean War victory over communism, which reminds us that Americans have a long history of defeating enemies of freedom all over the world achieving peace through strength.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to recognize Martha Ruthven for her service for the Second Congressional District of South Carolina. Martha has been an invaluable team member for nearly 9 years, dedicated to constituent service.

Moving from North Carolina after her nuclear physicist stepfather accepted a position at the Savannah River Site, Martha began her love of the Palmetto State.

Working in the Congressional Aiken/Barnwell office, Martha quickly became embedded in the community, attending events, meetings, and advancing constituent services. As deputy district director, Martha has long been a trusted adviser to the many thousands she has assisted.

I appreciate she will remain in Aiken. In fact, she will be heading to Savannah River Nuclear Solutions to continue community relations. I wish the best to Martha and her husband, K.T., a respected Realtor and president of Aiken Republican Club.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, who successfully protected America for 20 years, as the global war on terrorism continues moving from the Afghanistan safe haven to America.

Our prayers for the courageous people of Ukraine resisting war criminal Putin, who is sacrificing young Russians for Putin's oil, money, and power.

Mr. Speaker, as the United States has only 5 percent of the world population, the remaining 95 percent are job opportunities for South Carolina.

Last year, the Palmetto State achieved $32 billion in net export sales. The top industries included: vehicles, nuclear reactors, plastics, aircraft, and rubber tires. South Carolina exports reached 196 countries, topped by Canada, Germany, Mexico, and South Korea.

The State leads in export sales of motor vehicles with $10 billion from BMW, Volvo, and Mercedes-Benz. Additionally, South Carolina is a leading manufacturer and exporter of tires by Michelin, Bridgestone, Giti, Continental, and Trelleborg.

In 2020, over 4,400 companies in South Carolina exported goods, creating 116,000 jobs, promoted by Governor Henry McMaster and Commerce Secretary Harry Lightsey.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, who successfully protected America for 20 years as the global war on terrorism continues moving from the Afghanistan safe haven to America.

Welcome to President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea who will address Congress on Thursday as a champion for democracy.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for the following article from The Post and Courier of Charleston, South Carolina, ``Commentary: US should not cut military aid to Ukraine,'' published by Mark J. Duffy on March 30, 2023. It is recognition of the bravery and courage of Ukrainians in their fight for freedom and democracy against war criminal Putin's murderous and destructive invasion. American families freedom is based on victory by democracies with Rule of Law prevailing over authoritarians with Rule of Gun.

As the United States continues to ramp up billions of

dollars in aid to Ukraine, public sentiment in South Carolina

and across the nation is turning against more aid being sent

to Ukraine. In recent days, President Xi Jinping of China and

President Vladimir Putin of Russia met to deepen their

cooperation,following reports that China may soon provide

artillery and drones to its ``dear friend'' Russia.

I have a different perspective, based on my childhood

growing up in a divided island, my work with China and more

recently my work with Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

I grew up in Ireland during the Troubles, where I saw

loyalists (protestants who wanted Northern Ireland to remain

part of Great Britain) and republicans (Catholics who wanted

Northern Ireland to be part of the Republic of Ireland)

engage in dialogue and negotiations to bring peace to the

island. Growing up on an island with a history of violent

conflict, I saw that when different ethnic groups and

countries work together to resolve conflict, peace and

prosperity will soon follow.

In my first job out of university in 2013, as a public

relations account lead, I worked with the Embassy of the

People's Republic of China. Reflecting on my youthful

idealism, I realize I was naive in believing that the United

States and China could work together to solve some of the

world's greatest challenges. After a year of working with

Chinese diplomats on media relations, dealing with sensitive

issues, I resigned as it became clear to me that the Chinese

Communist Party represents a clear and present danger to U.S.

national security interests.

Whether it's stealing U.S. intellectual property, using

unfair trade practices to kill American jobs, arming

America's enemies or covering up the origins of the COVID-19

virus, I have no doubt in my mind that the party's members

will stop at nothing in their quest to be the world's largest

superpower.

Now let me tell you about my first-hand experience working

for ``the Servant of the People'' political party, which was

led by a comedian named Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In 2019, when I

began to work with his team, I was personally attacked for

helping a new young aspiring politician with a

transformational vision. The media at the time and the elites

in Washington were suspicious of then-candidate Zelenskyy.

But I was very proud of the work that I did to help a young

political leader and those around him at such a pivotal time

in our history.

Fast forward to today and President Zelenskyy has

demonstrated his true character to the world, showing

unprecedented leadership in standing up to Russian

aggression. President Zelenskyy famously said ``I need

ammunition, not a ride'' when U.S. officials offered to

evacuate him in the hours after the invasion. The strength of

President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people should show us

all that we have a strong partner in Ukraine. At its core,

this ongoing fight is about supporting freedom and democratic

ambitions in the face of autocracy.

Here in South Carolina, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham has made

clear that Congress must continue to provide financial

assistance to Ukraine and pointed out that ``we cannot let

Putin's bluster and threats determine the course of freedom

for the 21st century. `` Sen. Graham argues that ``we must

designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism under U.S.

law'' to ensure that ``any lethal assistance to Russia,

provided by China, is devastating to the Chinese economy.''

As a country, we can either pay now or we will pay much

more later. Putin will not stop in Ukraine. Our adversary

China will see any withdrawal in U.S. support for Ukraine as

a sign that it will not face consequences if it invades

Taiwan.

U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's comment that he will

not support a blank check for Ukraine makes sense. It's

imperative that the Congress conduct aggressive oversight to

ensure that all aid going to Ukraine is being used most

effectively.

As President Ronald Reagan reminds us, ``America is a

shining city upon a hill whose beacon light guides freedom-

loving people everywhere. ``Now is not the time to cut U.S.

military aid and hurt freedom-loving people in Ukraine.

Stopping Putin and Xi in Ukraine is an absolute necessity for

the national security of South Carolinians and millions of

American families.

Political leaders in Congress and here in South Carolina

must stand strong against autocratic regimes that want to

crush freedom. Supporting Ukraine is smarter and cheaper than

the alternative of standing by and doing nothing.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I met with Evgenia Kara-Murza, the courageous wife of Russian patriot Vladimir Kara-Murza, and Kara-Murza's Moscow attorney Vadim Prokhorov, along with Bill Browder, the visionary sponsor of the Magnitsky Act. We discussed the outrageous sentencing of Vladimir Kara-Murza which has been so accurately exposed in the following lead editorial of the Washington Post yesterday.

The sentencing of our opinions contributor, Vladimir Kara-

Murza, to a quarter-century in prison on Monday by a Moscow

court, raises three very loud alarms. The first is that his

health is fragile and he might not survive 25 years in

prison. The second is that Mr. Kara-Murza, who committed no

crime, received one of the harshest sentences since Joseph

Stalin's time, a shocking, vengeful strike from President

Vladimir Putin. And lastly, the time has come for the United

States to step up on behalf of Mr. Kara-Murza--not only

because he represents this country's democratic values, but

also because he and others like him are the best hope for a

free, post-Putin Russia.

Mr. Kara-Murza should be designated by the United States as

unlawfully or wrongfully detained, which will facilitate

negotiating a prisoner exchange with Russia. Mr. Kara-Murza

is a permanent resident of the United States, and his wife,

Evgenia Kara-Murza, and three children, are U.S. citizens. He

clearly meets the requirements for such a designation, which

Ms. Kara-Murza has been seeking for months. She told us Mr.

Kara-Murza would accept an exchange, and recalled that

dissidents were sometimes swapped during the Cold War.

Mr. Kara-Murza returned to Moscow last year, knowing the

risks he faced. He did nothing wrong. He has committed free

speech, not treason. His arrest, conviction and sentencing

were entirely contrived.

However, his deteriorating condition is real. He was the

target of attempted poisoning in 2015 and 2017 by Russia's

secret services, using some kind of nerve agent, and now

suffers from polyneuropathy, caused by damage to the

peripheral nerves throughout the body. The numbness began on

his left side and is spreading to his right, with loss of

feeling in both feet and his left hand. According to one of

his lawyers, Vadim Prokhorov, this malady should preclude

being incarcerated in a Russian prison, but so far the

wardens have turned a deaf ear to his appeals. ``I do realize

that he doesn't have five years, let alone 25'' in prison,

Ms. Kara-Murza told us. ``Now it is a question of life and

death.''

``If we lose him, if we lose people like Vladimir, who is

going to be there to rebuild

the country from ruins, to make sure that Russia does not

return to an authoritarian or totalitarian regime after the

collapse of this one?'' Ms. Kara-Murza said. ``Vladimir kept

on despite two poisoning attacks. Vladimir kept on despite

the assassination of his friend,'' Boris Nemtsov, the

reformist former deputy prime minister, ``and that did not

scare him. He went back to continue his fight time and again,

and I believe that he has shown he would not give up the

fight for a free Russia. The free democratic community has a

responsibility to stand with people like this.''

Ms. Kara-Murza said the sentence was ``absolutely pure and

cynical revenge'' for her husband's effort to win approval of

the Magnitsky Act, a U.S. law, similarly adopted by other

nations, that sanctions individuals who commit grave human

rights violations. Bill Browder, the investor who is the

architect of the Magnitsky sanctions, said Canada has added

nine Russians to the sanctions list and the United States six

over the Kara-Murza case, but there should be many more. ``It

absolutely helps,'' said Ms. Kara-Murza, noting the asset

freezes are a particular threat to Russian officials. ``They

prefer to steal in Russia, but hide that money in the West.''

Mr. Putin's draconian laws against free speech since the

invasion of Ukraine--punishing supposed infractions as minor

as a child's drawing--have cast a pall of fear. There are no

large protests. ``That society does not have freedom of

speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of association, free and

fair elections,'' Ms. Kara-Murza said. ``There is nothing. No

rights are respected in Russia.'' But, she added, the strong

demand for virtual private networking software indicates a

continued demand for independent information from outside.

She suggested that in addition to sanctions, the United

States and its allies should do everything possible to defend

the remaining free channels of information, including support

for independent journalists, both inside Russia and outside,

and to help Ukraine push out the Russian invasion.

Ms. Kara-Murza recalled that her husband worked as a

journalist but in 2012 discovered he had been barred from the

Russian Embassy in Washington, a retaliatory move because of

his public support of the Magnitsky Act. ``He decided, well,

I've got things to say and I will continue,'' and plunged

deeper into politics.

Hopefully, he will continue to have things to say--the

unvarnished truth--and say it in freedom. There is much to do

to rescue Russia's freedom, too.