Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, last week marked 100 tragic days since war criminal Putin's war of mass murder against the sovereign country of Ukraine. Putin's merciless killing continues to horrify the world, while the heroic fight by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the brave Ukrainians continue to draw inspiration.

Ukrainians are front line in the global conflict of democracy's rule of law, opposed by authoritarian's rule of gun.

I was grateful to be in Lithuania last week meeting with members of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. Led by its president, Gerry Connolly, the bipartisan delegation welcomed Finland and Sweden into NATO, which Putin has unintentionally unified for victory in Ukraine.

Putin is sacrificing Russian troops for his personal gain of oil, money, and power. Ever resolute, President Zelenskyy has said, ``We have defended Ukraine for 100 days already. Victory will be ours.''

America and the world support Ukraine in its efforts to protect its citizens and defeat evil.

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

Madam Speaker, the strong and vibrant relationship

between India, the world's largest democracy, and the United States, the world's oldest democracy, has demonstrated our shared values for Rule of Law.

I grew up with an appreciation of the people of India, because my father, First Lieutenant Hugh Wilson, served there in the U.S. Army Air Corps Flying Tigers in 1944, where he recognized the industriousness of the citizens of India.

I am particularly grateful for the prosperous Indian-American community in South Carolina and look forward to its continued growth and achievements. In 2014 in New York at Madison Square Garden, I helped welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in 2016 in Washington, I was on the Escort Committee for the Prime Minister's address to Congress, in 2019 in New Delhi at the Red Fort, I attended Indian Independence Day, and in 2019 at the Howdy Modi program in Houston at the Astrodome, I joined President Donald Trump to recognize the Prime Minister.

South Carolina's first female governor in 340 years was appropriately Nikki Randhawa Haley, who served with distinction. The Indian American community, of all immigrant groups in the United States, has achieved the highest per capita income level.

I appreciate the visits with India's Consul General Dr. Swati V. Kulkarni of Atlanta and Mr. KV Kumar, President and CEO of the Indian American International Chamber of Commerce to discuss the bilateral relationship between India and the United States. Bilateral trade in goods between the two countries crossed the $100 billion mark in 2021, making it the largest volume of goods trade in a calendar year in India-U.S. economic history. This also represents an almost 45 percent jump from 2020, which is the single biggest jump of all the U.S. trade partners. Working together, Indian industry can build dynamic military manufacturing to be independent of foreign suppliers.

The talks with Consul General also covered conversation on mass murder by war criminal Putin in Ukraine, its implications, and current regional developments.

To take U.S. and India ties forward and to realize the full spirit of our strategic partnership, USA and the Republic of India need to cooperate more closely in the Indo-Pacific. Certainly, there are issues of mutual concern with regard to China's malign goals in the region, and the partnership to counter these authoritarian aspirations should be robust.

Throughout her service as India's Consul General, Dr. Kulkarni has been an exemplary representative of the Republic of India. She was proactive across the southeast promoting the shared values of India and America. She will be greatly missed upon her departure from her post, as she continues her productive service for the people of India.

In the current contest of democracy with Rule of Law opposed by authoritarians with Rule of Gun, it is more important for cooperation to establish peace through strength.

Mr. Speaker, costs for everyday products and services continue to rise, and American families are suffering. Gas costs have doubled under Biden, reaching the highest level ever for the price of gas today.

In the last year we have all experienced price increases for everyday items, including: eggs up 22 percent, chicken up 16 percent, bacon up 17 percent, milk up 14 percent, roasted coffee up 14 percent, and breakfast cereal up 12 percent.

It is not uncommon for a can of soup on the shelf to be marked at 65 cents, but at checkout, it registers $1. A Dollar Store had all merchandise for $1 until Valentine's Day, but now all merchandise is $1.25.

Due to policies pushed by Biden and Democrats, everyday families are left to suffer the effects. America should resume the Trump policies of all-of-the-above energy.

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

Madam Speaker, I am grateful to recognize The Washington Times on their 40-year anniversary.

Since its founding on May 17, 1982, The Washington Times has been a valuable resource by providing clear and informative articles on current events and national politics. I appreciate their continued service and look forward to reading their publication for many years to come.

The following article, ``Washington Times' Only Agenda is the Agenda of its Readers,'' published May 16, 2022, by Christopher Dolan, President and Executive Editor, and Charles Hurt, Opinion Editor, encapsulates their years of journalistic accomplishments:

Dear readers:

For 40 years, The Washington Times has stood sentinel along

the banks of the Potomac River, shining a bright light into

all corners of the federal government.

During Republican administrations and Democratic

administrations alike, the paper has been unflinching in

keeping its responsibility to inform readers and expose

government shenanigans.

Long before ``fair and balanced'' became a battle cry and

the proliferation of websites spanning the political

spectrum, there was The Washington Times, beholden to no one

and no party.

When Ronald Reagan stormed into Washington on a promise to

``make America great again,'' The Washington Times was there

and chronicled the historic collapse of the Soviet Union.

When George H.W. Bush won the Gulf War, only to later

stumble on his pledge of ``no new taxes,'' The Washington

Times was there.

When a young, smooth-talking governor from Arkansas stunned

the political world, The Washington Times was there. And for

eight years, the paper produced award-winning political

coverage that culminated in President Clinton's impeachment

and investigations that to this day leave many questions

unanswered.

During the epic 2000 presidential election recount in

Florida, The Times was there, counting chads and recording

every legal argument all the way to the Supreme Court.

On Sept. 11, 2001, The Washington Times was there. And

never forgot.

The Times stood watch from the triumphant march into

Baghdad to the bitter end of George W. Bush's presidency.

The Times was there for the hopeful dawn of President

Obama's inauguration to the rejection of his presidency with

the election of Donald Trump.

Of course, politics is the bread and butter of any

newspaper based in Washington. But The Times also has

invested unparalleled energies into covering the First

Amendment, religious freedom, American culture, gun rights

and social issues that many other newspaper shy from.

The only agenda of The Washington Times is the agenda of

its readers. If it is important to you, it is important to

us. It has always been that way.

Over the past four decades, tumultuous changes have wracked

the newspaper industry.

Today, there is greater competition among news outlets--

both in print and online--than ever before in human history.

The most vaunted and venerated publications must now compete

with any other outlet with a web address and a keyboard.

But to this day, The Washington Times has never surrendered

its independence, its dedication to accuracy and its devotion

to the interests of its readers.

Thank you for reading. We hope you will keep reading for

the next 40 years.

Madam Speaker, it is my honor to commemorate the 50-year relationship between the United States and Qatar.

In addition to serving as the Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Qatar, I serve on both the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Armed Services Committee. I am grateful for the opportunity to work closely with Qatar both diplomatically and strategically.

The United States established diplomatic relations with Qatar following its independence from the United Kingdom in 1971. Officially, the beginning of diplomatic relations took place on March 19, 1972, when American diplomat William Stoltzfus met with Qatari government officials and submitted his credentials. Bilateral relations between the two countries expanded when the U.S. opened its embassy in Doha in March 1973; and when the first resident U.S. Ambassador, Robert Peter Paganelli, arrived in July 1974.

The United States and Qatar cooperate militarily and strategically on security in the region. One of the earliest and most notable military cooperation's between the U.S. and Qatar was in 1991, when joint military operations were conducted against Saddam Hussein's Iraq during Operation Desert Storm. In the aftermath, both nations agreed upon the need for a Defense Cooperation Agreement. This pact, which has subsequently been expanded, has served as the basis for our military collaboration.

In 1996, Qatar built Al Udeid Air Base to further security ties between our countries. In 1999, then Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad, told U.S. officials that he ``would like to see as many as 10,000 U.S. servicemen permanently stationed at Al Udeid.'' The U.S. first used the then-secret base in late September 2001, when the Air Force needed to get aircraft in position for its operations in Afghanistan. In April 2003, the U.S. Combat Air Operations Center for the Middle East moved from Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia to Qatar, underscoring the importance of Qatar to the American presence and objectives in the region.

Al Udeid is now home to the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East and more notably Qatar is not only allowing expansion of Al Udeid, but also funding it and managing the construction. In fact, the Qatari government has provided over $8 billion in funding for Al Udeid Air Base since 2003. After renovations and expansions, Al Udeid will be able to accommodate up to 120 aircraft and 10,000 troops, just like then Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad had wished for.

Personally, I am grateful that the U.S. Air Forces Central Command is headquartered at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina and has a forward headquarters in Qatar. As the air component of CENTCOM, AFCENT is responsible for air operations, either unilaterally or in concert with coalition partners, and for developing contingency plans in support of national objectives for CENTCOM's 20-nation area of responsibility.

Qatar has been an invaluable partner on several diplomatic fronts. Qatar quietly assisted in ending the Israel-Hamas war in May 2021 and continues to be helpful in seeking to improve Israeli relations with Palestinians. Qatar played a significant role in the evacuation of more than 100,000 people from Afghanistan after the disastrous withdrawal by the Biden Administration. Qatar facilitated vetting of individuals seeking to leave the country and organized aspects of their departure. Many of the flights that enabled people to evacuate were by way of Qatari airlines. In addition, a large percentage of the new refugees were brought to Qatar, which arranged housing and other shelter for them as well as food, medicine and other provisions. At one point, the Qatari military was providing over 50,000 meals per day to the newly arrived refugees. There are still thousands of Afghan refugees in Qatar, where they continue to receive much needed care and assistance.

In addition to security and diplomatic relations, the United States and Qatar have extensive economic ties. As Qatar's largest foreign direct investor and its single largest source of imports, the United States has developed a robust trade relationship with Qatar, with over 120 U.S companies operating in country. U.S. exports to Qatar increased by 47.7 percent from 2018 to 2019, totaling $6.5 billion in 2019.

The United States is a leading equipment supplier and partner for Qatar's oil and gas industry, and U.S. companies have played a significant role in the development of the oil and gas sector. In addition to energy, U.S. companies also export to Qatar's defense, aviation, ICT, healthcare, food, and engineering/construction sectors. U.S. imports from Qatar include liquefied natural gas, aluminum, fertilizers, and sulfur. The United States and Qatar signed a trade and investment framework agreement and participate in annual bilateral Strategic Dialogues.

I appreciate Qatar's efforts to invest $45 billion in the United States, including large investments in South Carolina. Qatari firm Barzan is helping fund a facility in Charleston, South Carolina, adding an estimated 50,000 American jobs.

Major educational ties have been developed over the course of the fifty-year relationship. Annually, there are hundreds of Qatari students studying in the United States and six U.S. universities have branch campuses in Qatar's Education City complex. These Universities are Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar, Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, Texas A&M University at Qatar, Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar, and Northwestern University.

In conclusion, over the course of the fifty-year relationship, the United States and Qatar have developed military and strategic ties, cooperated on major diplomatic initiatives, enlarged financial and economic relations, and supported educational advancement for students in both countries. With that being said, the most important factor to consider is that two nations located in different regions of the world, with different histories and cultures have been able to forge an enduring and prosperous friendship based on many shared values. This will set the stage for the next fifty years and beyond.

Madam Speaker, I include in the Record the following obituary for Thomas ``Tommy'' Cecil Harman.

Tommy was the loving husband of Bobbie Sue Harman with whom

he celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on January 1,

2022. He was the father of Andrea Harman Duncan (Mark) and

Jason Thomas Harman (Christina). His six grandchildren, whom

he loved and cherished, are Abbie and Austin Duncan and

McElson, Madison, Jase, and Jacob Harman. He is also survived

by loving brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, loving nieces

and nephews, a special aunt and uncle, and many dear friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, Layman and Ganelle Harman

and brother, Archie L. Harman.

Tommy was born on December 6, 1950. He attended Lexington 1

schools and then Clemson University where he graduated in

1973 with a degree in Financial Management. He was employed

by the Lexington State Bank from 1973-1995 where he was vice-

president, loan officer, and in human resources. He was then

President and CEO of the Lexington Chamber of Commerce from

1995-1999 and later head of public relations for Pond Branch

Telephone Company (PBT Telecom), which later became

Comporium, until his retirement in 2015.

Tommy tirelessly served his family, community, and church.

He has been a member of Lexington Baptist Church for 50 years

where he served terms as a deacon, served on the kindergarten

and stewardship committees, was a former church treasurer,

former children's Sunday school teacher, and a faithful

servant in many other ways.

Tommy was the charter president of the Lexington Sertoma

Club, where he remained a member and leader for 45 continuous

years. He led many fundraising projects including his idea of

celebrating ``Big Thursday'' with Carolina and Clemson fans

each October. The club has been able to provide funding for

speech and hearing projects and help the community of

Lexington through this event.

Tommy headed up the Lexington Community Committee ``Power

Up Lunch'' for businesses from 2003 to 2013. He served

several terms on the Board of Directors for the Batesburg-

Leesville and Lexington Chambers of Commerce. He was a former

member of the Batesburg-Leesville Rotary Club and the Gilbert

Ruritan Club. He was also a 1997 Leadership Lexington

graduate.

Because of his community work, Tommy received numerous

awards. Among these are the 2015 State of South Carolina

Order of the Silver Crescent, the A. L. Harman award by the

Lexington Chamber of Commerce, and the Lexington Sertoma Club

Achievement Award.

Tommy loved helping coach his son Jason's baseball and

basketball teams. He greatly enjoyed Clemson sporting events

with family and friends. He loved traveling and especially

enjoyed planning trips. He was proud of the fact that he had

visited 54 National Parks and every state in the United

States. He loved to take his family and friends to show them

the beautiful parks and God's handiwork. He truly loved life

and he loved living it. More than anything else, he loved

Jesus Christ and wanted everyone to know about the power of

God's saving grace.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May

2, 2022 at Lexington Baptist Church with interment to follow

at Lexington Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive

friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 1, at Caughman-

Harman Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel.

Madam Speaker, this week on May 10th a Marker Dedication Ceremony was held in Charleston, South Carolina, for Michael Kovats de Fabricy, the Founding Father of the United States Calvary.

Michael Kovats de Fabricy was a Hungarian nobleman and accomplished officer in the Prussian Calvary. He was a retired Hussar major in the Austro-Hungarian army. Upon learning of the American Revolution, he wrote on January 17, 1777, to American Ambassador to France, Benjamin Franklin, to volunteer his services and pledged himself ``faithful unto death.''

Kovats was appointed colonel commandant of Pulaski's Legion in the Continental Army in 1778. He recruited, trained, and led what became the first U.S. Calvary unit. He was the highest-ranking Hungarian military officer in the American Revolutionary War. Kovats was killed on May 11, 1779, while leading an assault on British troops in Charleston, South Carolina. He remained true to his word and was loyal and faithful to American freedom to his death.

The Dedication Ceremony was appropriately at The Old Exchange Building coordinated by Director Tony Youmans. In the American Revolution British tea was seized and stored at the Exchange Building basement then sold to finance the Revolution and not thrown into the harbor. The Color Guard of the venerated Washington Light Infantry was provided by Major General Henry Siegling, Commander, and Colonel Myron C. Herrington, Historian and Secretary. The Washington Light Infantry is a military and social organization founded in 1807 as one of the oldest in America.

The Dedication and Unveiling was conducted by National Society Daughters of American Revolution President General Denise Doring VanBuren.

It was extraordinary Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Hungary, Magor Ernyei delivered remarks at the event and highlighting that there is a statue of Michael Kovats in Washington outside the Embassy of Hungary. Clearly there is great affection in South Carolina for the people of Hungary. We will always cherish the courage of Hungarians to oppose the Soviet Tank Invasion of 1956 just as we support the people of Ukraine to oppose the Putin Tank Invasion of 2022.

Program participants in the service and assisted in this event from the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution: Bonnibel Moffat, South Carolina State Regent; Nancy Herritage, State Historian; Laura Kessler, Historian General; Pamela Bork, Chaplain General; Cynthia Sweeney, Librarian General; Janet Whittington, Curator General; Elizabeth Billham, Vice President General; and Pat Kinard, Regent of the Rebecca Motte Chapter.

Madam Speaker, as the civilized world has been unintentionally unified in opposition to Putin conducting mass murder in Ukraine, Putin has unwittingly unified Republicans and Democrats in America. A clear example is Republican support of an op-ed from the Democrat Washington Post by Josh Rogin ``West can't afford to neglect Moldova, because Putin won't'' being the lead Opinion April 24th in The State paper of Columbia, South Carolina:

West Can't Afford

As the United States and Europe continue to scramble to

help Ukraine defend its territory, preserve its democracy and

save its economy, they should keep in mind that Ukraine is

not the only country in the region suffering due to Russian

President Vladimir Putin's aggression. Next door, the small

country of Moldova is appealing to the West for urgent help

and long-term partnership. If we turn away from Moldova,

again, we will push it into Putin's arms.

``The Russian military aggression in Ukraine is making

every single person in Europe feel less secure and is having

a negative impact on every single person in Europe,''

Moldova's foreign minister, Nicu Popescu, told me in an

interview last week in Washington. ``And of course, this

impact is more negative on Moldova, because Moldova is right

there.''

Popescu' s official title is Minister of Foreign Affairs

and European Integration, which should tell us something. The

new government in Moldova, one of the region's poorest

countries, is trying to break a longrunning pattern of

political dysfunction, systemic corruption and malign

influence coming from Moscow. The December 2020 landslide

election of Moldova's first outright pro- Western president,

the Harvard-educated former World Bank economist Maia Sandu,

presents the best chance yet to move Moldova firmly into the

Western camp.

The Moldovan government has always tried to balance its

relationships, for understandable reasons. Russia has 1,500

troops occupying the Moldovan breakaway territory of

Transnistria and controls Moldova's energy supply. There is

still a large pro-Russian constituency in Moldovan politics,

business and society.

But the invasion of Ukraine has changed everything in

geopolitics, especially for Ukraine's neighbors who now see

that ``neutrality'' does not protect a small country from

being viciously attacked on Putin's whim. The Moldovan

government has condemned the Russian invasion, even though

Putin's retaliation could prove disastrous.

``Moldova is a neutral state, but neutrality only refers to

us not participating in military action,'' Popescu told me.

``We're not neutral when it comes to condemning the

aggression. We're not neutral when it comes to defending the

principles of international law, which must be respected.''

The United States and European countries have been paying

more attention to Moldova recently. Secretary of State Antony

Blinken visited the capital, Chisinau, last month. The United

States has given Moldova $130 million since the Ukraine war

started to help with the hundreds of thousands of new

refugees spilling over the border.

But that's just a Band-Aid for Moldova's problems.

``We need to ensure socioeconomic stability. We are

severely impacted by the war. We are Ukraine's most fragile

neighbor,'' Popescu said. ``We've been coping reasonably well

with the humanitarian crisis, the refugee situation and the

energy crisis. We've been pursuing reforms. But, it's a

difficult region.''

The question is whether the West's recent increased

attention to Moldova will persist beyond the current crisis.

Popescu's visit was framed as a new ``strategic dialogue''

with the United States, but a similar effort during the Obama

administration withered away.

There are several specific things the United States could

do to cement its commitment to Moldova's long-term stability

and success. The Justice Department could do more to go after

Moldova's sanctioned oligarchs and their wealth, especially

the ones living in the United States. U.S. organizations

should double down on helping Moldova continue its reforms

and root out corruption. And the United States can help

Moldova diversify its energy supply, diluting Putin's

leverage.

And while Moldova isn't seeking military assistance, it has

a huge and growing need for help fortifying and managing its

borders, including the 863 miles it shares with Ukraine.

That's perhaps the most urgent effort, because if Ukraine

falls, Moldova could easily be Russia's next target. Would

Putin actually invade Moldova and try to topple the

prowestern government, as he is attempting to do next door?

``We don't know,'' Popescu told me. ``Our task is to be

ready for everything.''

In conclusion, I am grateful for the committed service of Mr. Eugen Caras, Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to the United States of America and United Mexican States.

We stand together to deter war criminal Putin with the courageous people of Ukraine led by President Zelenskyy who has adopted the spirit of the American Revolution ``Don't tread on me'', ``Live Free or Die.''

The unity of freedom-loving countries was reinforced by President Salome Zourabichvili of Georgia who I am grateful to meet with today. He has courageously cited that the people of Georgia are 100 percent united in ``solidarity with Ukraine.''

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, Washington welcomed President Salome Zourabichvili, of the Republic of Georgia, who had come to attend the funeral of former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.

During an interview with The Washington Post, President Zourabichvili explained that, along with Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova were the two countries closest to Russia wanting to join NATO and the European Union, but not protected by either. ``Georgia should not be forgotten'' and if so, they might be a temptation for the Russian leadership.

President Zourabichvili reviewed that Georgia also had a history of war with Russia, most recently in 2008, as well as 1991, shortly after declaring independence.

It is reassuring, the President said, the Georgian population is 100 percent united in solidarity with the people of Ukraine. Americans are also united for the independence of Georgia, Moldova, led by President Maia Sandu, and Ukraine.

America supports the sovereignty of Georgia and will stand with President Zourabichvili for the freedom of Georgia.

God bless Ukraine. God save Ukraine. Long live President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of S. 3522, the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022.

Madam Speaker, it is absolutely amazing the unintended consequence of Vladimir Putin, war criminal Putin, that he has brought Democrats and Republicans together. He has united the people of the United States. With the leadership of Chairman Greg Meeks and Ranking Member Mike McCaul, Americans are united in their support of the people of Ukraine.

For 63 days, the courageous people of Ukraine have resisted full- scale invasion by war criminal Putin with his murderous occupying forces, in large part due to the courageous leadership of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Ukrainians have witnessed their prosperous homeland being attacked and the lives of their loved ones senselessly murdered. The world has been a witness to the countless atrocities inflicted upon the Ukrainian people, and we continue to see the depravity of the Putin forces in real time, targeting civilians and humanitarian infrastructure with mass murder, just as they conducted gruesomely in Aleppo, Syria.

Ukraine's request is simple: Provide the weapons needed to defend the Ukrainian homeland and Ukrainian families. This bill does just that by removing bureaucratic red tape to support a loan or lease of defense articles to Ukraine immediately.

I am grateful to have introduced the House bipartisan version of the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022 and to work with our colleagues to bring this legislation to the floor today.

Time is of the essence. Every day that goes by means more innocent lives lost. Congress has been united in its support of Ukraine, and we have given the administration the capacity to use funds under a Presidential Drawdown Authority specifically for Ukraine.

Today, with the passage of this bill, we remain unified in our solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

There is a successful historical precedent for lend-lease. During World War II, lend-lease was enacted to provide weapons to Great Britain, the Soviet Union, and 28 other Allies to defeat Nazi Germany. Lend-lease proved integral in the outcome of the siege of Leningrad.

On May 5, 2005, I led a codel to Saint Petersburg. We, sadly, were there at the world's largest open cemetery to provide a wreath to recognize the appreciation of the people of the United States to the people of Russia. This is the final resting place of 420,000 civilians and 50,000 soldiers who died when Hitler's murderous forces invaded.

America saved what is now Saint Petersburg, which is the birthplace of Putin. It is ironic in history that America now is considering this critical legislation to help Ukrainians avoid further loss of life at the hands of Putin's murderous forces.

Ukraine's battle for its sovereignty is in the forefront of the fight between autocracy, which is the rule of gun, versus democracy, which is the rule of law. Their success is the success of democracy.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support passage of the bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from Indiana (Mrs. Spartz).

Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill).

Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time, and I am very grateful that next we will have the Speaker of the House.

Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Walberg).

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

Madam Speaker, in closing, this bill calls on the administration to supply the defense articles needed to defeat war criminal Putin's forces, and for the land of Ukraine to be returned to its rightful and lawful inhabitants, the courageous people of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian fight is a fight of freedom-loving people around the world. This is part of authoritarianism, which is rule of gun opposing democracy, rule of law.

America stands with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine, with President Salome Zourabichvili of the Republic of Georgia, President Maia Sandu of Moldova, and with the rightful President, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, of Belarus.

Additionally, as we are discussing Lend-Lease, I had the extraordinary opportunity with Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo in 2005, to visit, sadly, the world's largest open cemetery in Saint Petersburg, the victims, half a million people of the siege of Leningrad. And we were there to show the love and affection of the United States to the people of Russia.

We were there to also find out that it was American Lend-Lease equipment that provided for the defeat of Hitler and for the saving, actually, of the Putin family. And so, Lend-Lease has a long proud history of providing for freedom successfully.

In December, I visited the courageous Ukrainian patriots in Kyiv. I am confident Ukraine will win for freedom and independence. We are all inspired by the Ukrainian-American Congresswoman Victoria Spartz of Indiana, and over a million dynamic Ukrainian Americans who are successful across America.

I urge all Members to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, we appreciate your million-dollar smile.

Living legend Sean Hannity of FOX News is now officially the longest running prime-time cable news host in television history, passing the former record of Larry King.

I especially appreciate his professionalism, having myself minored in journalism and being editor of my high school, college, and law school newspapers, and also being an intern reporter for The Post and Courier, the daily paper of Charleston, South Carolina.

He is a champion for freedom, and he cites each day that has passed in honor of the 13 dead Americans in Kabul. He also points out, sadly, the Americans left behind in Afghanistan.

He stands with the heroes of Ukraine fighting war criminal Putin as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy inspires: Live free or die.

As aptly written in an April 21 FOX News story by Brian Flood: ``Hannity, who has been with the network since it was launched in 1996, has hosted a prime-time program on FOX News for 25 consecutive years, 6 months, and 15 days.

`` `Sean's authenticity and insightful commentary have created one of the most enduring connections with our audience, and it has been an honor to watch him over the years. A FOX News original, he has helped innovate the industry, and we are incredibly proud of his extraordinary success,' FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott said in a statement.

``Hannity's eponymous program has been one of the most-watched cable news programs on a regular basis. `Hannity' has finished number one in its time slot for 13 consecutive years among both total viewers and the advertiser-coveted demographic of adults age 25 to 54 since launching as a solo hour in January 2009, according to Nielsen Media Research.

`` `I am extremely grateful to FOX News Media and to our loyal, dedicated viewers, whom I am proud to serve every night,' Hannity said.

``Before landing a solo program, Hannity was one half of the popular `Hannity & Colmes' with the late Alan Colmes.

``Last year, Hannity joined `FOX & Friends' to discuss the network's 25th

anniversary. `It was a bold innovation. Everybody laughed. Nobody thought it would be successful. Not only did we quickly become number one, but we have been able to maintain that number one position for a very long period of time,' Sean Hannity said.

``FOX News finished the first quarter of 2022 as basic cable's most- watched network, crushing CNN and MSNBC for the 81st straight quarter during a busy news cycle that included Russia's'' hideous ``invasion of Ukraine,'' sadly, ``the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and round-the- clock political news.''

``Over the last 25 years, Hannity has interviewed newsmakers, including former President Trump, former Vice President Mike Pence, former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu . . . and most recently, award-winning actor and director Sean Penn. Hannity is also the author of four New York Times bestselling books.''

Congratulations, Sean. Thank you for providing America with news we can trust by telling the truth.

I have another personal interest. Our family really appreciates newscasters. My oldest son, Alan, the attorney general of South Carolina, married the leading newscaster of South Carolina, Jennifer Miskewicz, of WIS-TV. Because he married over his head, he was elected the youngest attorney general of the United States.

As I conclude, as the co-chair of the French Caucus, I congratulate President Emmanuel Macron on his reelection. America appreciates our first ally with extraordinary representation by Ambassador Philippe Etienne.

We stand together for the people of Ukraine and with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Mr. Speaker, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has shown the world he is a leader to be respected and admired. He has earned being a hero to the people of Ukraine, to win for freedom.

Prior to his election in 2019, Mr. Zelenskyy was a former actor and comedian. Some questioned these credentials, but President Zelenskyy is the right leader at the right time for the world.

The cowardly Putin invasion has left untold thousands of Ukrainian civilians murdered. Yet, instead of retreating, Zelenskyy has stood up to Putin as a compassionate man of the people.

Just yesterday, he went to another Kyiv hospital visiting with a pair of orphaned children who lost their parents to Putin bombs.

``In the first days of the war, everybody was in shock, and everybody was thinking what to do. . . .'' ``The President's decision was that no one goes anywhere. We stay in Kyiv, and we fight. That cemented it,'' explained an adviser.

Terrorists, sadly, are emboldened worldwide with three rocket attacks in the last week from Gaza into Israel, as America stands with Ambassador Michael Herzog.

God bless Ukraine. God save Ukraine. God bless Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to be here with Congressman Dean Phillips as we work together, unintentionally united by war criminal Putin, as Democrats and Republicans are united for freedom.

Mr. Speaker, on December 28, 2018, U.S. citizen Paul Whelan was arrested in Moscow. On June 15, 2020, he was sentenced to 16 years in a Putin labor camp. He remains behind bars to this day for a crime he did not commit. No real evidence of Paul's guilt was ever provided, defense witnesses were excluded, and he was denied a fair trial.

U.S. Ambassador John Sullivan described Paul's wrongful conviction exactly right--a mockery of justice. Paul is an American and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. The U.S. Congress cannot remain silent as Paul remains unjustly held by the thug in the Kremlin.

The resolution we are considering today shows we have not forgotten-- and will never forget--Paul or any other American wrongfully detained in Russia.

I was thrilled and relieved today to learn that Trevor Reed has been released from his unjust detention in Russia. Trevor, another former U.S. Marine, had spent years behind bars on completely fabricated charges.

However, we cannot rest until Paul and every single wrongfully detained American is home safely with their families as well.

As it launched its full-scale murderous invasion of Ukraine, the Putin regime has stepped up its reprehensible practice of targeting Americans for unfounded detentions. In February, Brittney Griner, a WNBA--that is the Women's National Basketball Association--player was arrested for allegedly bringing drugs into Russia. She faces up to 10 years in prison, if convicted. I fear she too will be held hostage by the Russian dictator. I appreciate her Member of Congress, Sheila Jackson Lee of Houston, for being such an outspoken proponent for her release.

I would be remiss not to mention Vladimir Kara-Murza too. He is one of the fiercest advocates of a democratic Russia, who has been poisoned twice by the Putin regime, and who faces up to 15 years in prison for speaking the truth about Putin's unprovoked war of aggression and murder in Ukraine. He is a brave freedom fighter who does not deserve to be locked up for shining a light on Putin's brutality and corruption.

Putin must stop using innocent Americans as diplomatic pawns and release them immediately.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution so Paul and his family know that the U.S. Congress stands with them, Democrats and Republicans, and will do everything in our power to make sure Paul can join Trevor in coming back home.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Walberg).

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

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I thank Representative Haley Stevens for her work on this resolution. You can tell it is from the heart, and we are working together, again, Republicans and Democrats.

How fortunate we are, with the leadership of Congressman Tim Walberg, to have spent the Orthodox Christian Easter weekend in Ukraine to visit with Lviv, to be in Kiev, to be in the Bucha region where the atrocities were so horrific, and to be on a delegation with Congresswoman Victoria Spartz, who was actually born in Soviet Ukraine, and now she has seen it become a free Ukraine. Our country is so blessed by the number of Ukrainians who have come to live in our country and then support their maintenance, victory, and winning for freedom in Ukraine.

As the world watches in horror at the war crimes and atrocities that the war criminal Putin is committing in Ukraine, we must also condemn the Russian dictator's practice of exploiting innocent Americans as political pawns.

I urge my colleagues to join in supporting this resolution. This will send a strong message to Paul and the other wrongfully detained Americans in Russia that Congress will not rest until they are returned home to their families.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the AXIS Act, A-X-I-S, a bill that is to require the Department of State to report on China's support of Putin's unprovoked, full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Mr. Speaker, the Chinese Communist Party is complicit in Russia's crimes against the people of Ukraine.

Xi and Putin established a no-limits partnership with their joint statement that foolishly cast NATO as an aggressor. They coordinated the timing of the invasion to avoid disturbing the CCP's genocide Olympics. The Chinese state media has regurgitated Russian propaganda, and instead of joining the world in sanctioning Putin, the CCP is working with Putin to avoid sanctions.

We are already seeing the results of this unholy alliance between the two dictators, and it is essential that CCP support of the Russian invasion of Ukraine become a matter of public record.

I thank our colleague from Kentucky (Mr. Barr) for introducing the AXIS Act. This bill requires an unclassified report on the full scope of CCP support of the Putin invasion, from sanctions violations, to disinformation, to the sale of controlled technology.

If the United States is going to counter the national security threat of this new axis of autocrats working together, we must understand how they are working together in the conflict between autocrats, which are ruled by gun, against democracy, which is ruled by law.

Mr. Barr's bill fills this need. I thank the gentleman for introducing the AXIS Act, and I urge our colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Barr).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Kim).

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

Mr. Speaker, I especially appreciate the people of China. My father served in 1944 as a member of the Flying Tigers, the 14th Air Force of the Army Air Corps of the United States, to defend the people of China in World War II. He served in Kunming, Chengdu, and Xi'an, and he had a deep affection for the people of China. We want the best for the people of China.

Sadly, at every step of Russia's unprovoked, full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the CCP has chosen to reject the free world and embrace Putin's mass murder. Just last week, one of the CCP's top Foreign Ministry officials promised to increase strategic coordination with Russia, regardless of Russia's war crimes. But we know that Ukraine will win with the leadership of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

They need to be held accountable at the CCP, and Congressman Andy Barr's legislation does just that.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Protecting Semiconductor Supply Chain Materials from Authoritarians Act.

H.R. 7372 would set up a high-level interagency task force to make sure that we have a whole-of-government effort to anticipate and respond to the impacts on the supply chain for semiconductors.

The semiconductor supply chain has long been under strain, which has only been exacerbated by the COVID pandemic. On top of that, the war criminal Putin's invasion of Ukraine has only added to the problem. It has interrupted critical inputs into the semiconductor supply chain, such as palladium, neon gas, and helium.

While it certainly is important to know the impacts on this critical supply chain caused by Russia's invasion, the United States must take a holistic approach and work with our allies and partners to strengthen the entire semiconductor supply chain and protect it from being dominated by the Chinese Communist Party.

I am pleased that this bill also requires forward-looking assessments to understand the impact to the supply chain by a possible invasion of Taiwan, a courageous beacon of democracy in the East that manufactures 90 percent of advanced logic semiconductors.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Meijer).

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

Mr. Speaker, the U.S. share of global semiconductor production has dropped from 37 percent in 1990 to 12 percent today, and it is projected to decline even further without a comprehensive U.S. strategy to support the industry.

This bill is a small step in the right direction, but we must do more to ensure these vital supply chains for semiconductors. If we fail, the impacts to our economy and national security will be monumental.

We are in a conflict of democracy with rule by law opposed by authoritarians of rule by gun.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.