William Keating

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Plymouth's four fallen soldiers who died during the Vietnam War, and to recognize the Vietnam Fallen Soldier Uniform Ceremony being held next week. During the Vietnam War, Plymouth lost four of its own citizens who answered the call of duty. These selfless individuals will be memorialized by family, friends, and neighbors in their hometown at Plymouth's Vietnam Fallen Soldier Uniform Ceremony on July 3, 2014. Today, I would like to express my gratitude for their service by presenting the names of the fallen: Staff Sergeant Frederick T. Garside, U.S. Air Force--killed in action in Laos Specialist Five Robert B. Hedge, U.S. Army--killed in action in Bien Hoa Lance Corporal Wayne Moore, U.S. Army--killed in action in Quang Tri HM3 Paul Rezendes, U.S. Navy--killed in action in Quang Tri These courageous, distinguished men embodied the best ideals of our country and dedicated their lives to its security. I know I speak for many when I say that the memory of these four men will live on as an inspiration to us all and will serve as a reminder of what it means to serve one's country. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor to recognize the outstanding sacrifice that these veterans made for their country. I ask that my colleagues join me in this remembrance, and in thanking all of our service members deployed across the globe.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the return of the Charles W. Morgan whaling ship to New Bedford, Massachusetts. The Morgan is the last American whaling ship in a fleet that had at one time numbered over 2,700 vessels. Built and launched in 1841, she is the oldest American commercial ship that is still afloat. Known as a ``lucky ship'', the Morgan successfully navigated dangerous storms, Arctic ice, and the roundings of Cape Horn during her 80-year whaling career. The ship embarked on 37 voyages between 1841 and 1921, covering every corner of the globe. The Morgan was designated a National Historic Landmark by order of the Secretary of the Interior in 1966, and she was also a recipient of the coveted World Ship Trust Award. Since her arrival at Mystic Seaport, more than 20 million visitors have walked her decks. Next week will be a homecoming for the Morgan as she returns to New Bedford, Massachusetts, the site of her initial launch on July 21, 1841 from the yard of Jethro and Zachariah. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to celebrate the Charles W. Morgan on this joyous occasion of her homecoming to New Bedford. I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating her long and storied career.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Royal Marines as they celebrate their 350th year of service to the people of Britain. The Royal Marines were originally formed as ``the Duke of York and Albany's maritime regiment of Foot'' in 1664 under the reign of King Charles II. Later, in 1755, they became the official marine infantry for the Royal Navy, and acquired their present-day title by King George III in 1802. For centuries, the countless men and women who have served in the Royal Marines have fought valiantly for their country, and they have been present at more battles on land and sea than any other branch of the British Armed Forces. From the Battle of Trafalgar and other Napoleonic-era battles to World War I and World War II, and from Cold War conflicts up to modern-day service in Iraq and Afghanistan, members of the Royal Marines have witnessed the world changing drastically throughout their many centuries of service. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the Royal Marines upon this important milestone. I ask that my colleagues join me in commemorating their 350 years of service to the people of Britain.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the efforts of Harwich Middle School's environmental group, Harwich Cares. The forty members of Harwich Cares have spent the past year educating their peers and the Harwich community about ways to reduce their energy consumption. Their efforts have included a community cleanup, an energy-efficient light bulb sale and giveaway, and visits to the Massachusetts Maritime Academy and Covanta SEMASS to learn more about renewable energy. Most recently, these kids presented two day- long energy carnivals for students of the Harwich and Chatham Elementary Schools. This year, Harwich Cares won first place in Massachusetts and second place in the U.S. in the National Youth Awards Program for Energy Achievement. As such, they attended the National Energy Education Development Project's awards program in Washington, DC this past weekend. It is truly inspiring to see a group of passionate young people educating their community and working towards a greener future. Finding cleaner sources of energy should be a national priority, and I am proud that such important strides are being made on Cape Cod. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the educators and students of Harwich Middle School on their community education and leadership on environmental issues.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 375th anniversary of Sandwich, Massachusetts, a scenic and vibrant town on Cape Cod. Settled nearly 150 years before the American Revolution, Sandwich is not only the oldest town on Cape Cod, but it is also one of the oldest in the country. Sandwich was founded in 1637 by Puritans as an offshoot of the famed Plymouth Colony. The early economy of Sandwich emerged as one that was centered mostly around fishing and farming. Today, however, tourism is the town's highest grossing industry--and visitors flock from all over, especially in the summertime, to experience Sandwich's quaint charm. Attractions include the Sandwich town boardwalk, a place for crabbing, beach-going, and taking prom pictures. The adjacent Town Neck Beach on Cape Cod Bay is also a popular place to spend summer days sunbathing and admiring the view of the bay. The oldest home on Cape Cod--the Hoxie House--is a traditional saltbox design perched on scenic Shawme Lake; and nearby Dexter's Grist Mill, the oldest of its kind on the Cape, is located in the historic downtown district. Also located downtown is the Sandwich Glass Museum, a place that pays homage to the once lucrative trade of Sandwich settler Deming Jarves, who founded the Boston & Sandwich Glass Factory in 1825. Well known for its vibrant colors, Sandwich glass still graces the windows of many homes in this bayside town. Along with its historic, colonial architecture, Sandwich also boasts beautiful natural landscapes such as salt marshes, cranberry bogs, and woodlands. The Cape Cod Central Railroad services tourists and the public with seasonal train rides along a scenic route that showcases some of these Cape landscapes. Sandwich's town motto, translated from Latin, reads quite appropriately, ``After So Many Shipwrecks, A Haven''. And on this town anniversary, I know that I speak for all of us here when I acknowledge that Sandwich remains a haven for all of the families and individuals that call it home. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the town of Sandwich and the entire Sandwich community on the celebration of their anniversary. May this beautiful Massachusetts town flourish for many years to come.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commemorate the accomplishments of Michael Maresco of Marshfield, Massachusetts, who has been named Marshfield Citizen of the Year. Mr. Maresco, a resident of Marshfield since 1994, has been a vital member of the community for a long time. For nearly twenty years, Mr. Maresco has been involved in Community Christmas, a local organization that works to deliver presents to children in need during the holiday season. He serves as Vice President of the Marshfield Boys and Girls Club Board of Directors, and he also leads Boy Scout Troop 212. Additionally, Mr. Maresco is deeply involved in both state and local government, having served three terms on the Marshfield Board of Selectmen and having worked in the office of the Massachusetts Secretary of State for over thirty years. Currently, Mr. Maresco serves as Chairman of the Marshfield Democratic Town Committee. A husband and father of two, Mr. Maresco is well-known throughout his community. The town of Marshfield is fortunate to have such a dedicated citizen, and his commitment to serving others serves as a valuable example for us all. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Michael Maresco for his service in his community, and I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking him for all that he has done.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 350th anniversary of Dartmouth, Massachusetts, a scenic and vibrant coastal town in southeastern Massachusetts. Dartmouth was originally settled in the 1650s by the Religious Society of Friends, also known as the Quakers, a group that had been banned from Plymouth Colony on account of its religious doctrines. The town's official incorporation came in 1664. The Quakers have been long known for their refusal to participate in war, their opposition to slavery, and their belief in the priesthood of all followers, and remain an important part of Dartmouth's culture today. In its early years, Dartmouth was mostly an agricultural, whaling, and shipping settlement. Its most famous whaling ship was the HMS Dartmouth, which is more famously known for being the first ship targeted in the Boston Tea Party. The Dartmouth set sail to London in 1773 with a cargo of whale oil, returning to Boston with a ship full of tea from the East India Trading Company. Luckily for the American ship owners, only the tea was destroyed. The protestors even swept the decks clean after the protest. Today, this South Shore town maintains its rural charm, continuing to attract vacationers to its picturesque coast. Many portions of Dartmouth have changed very little in the past hundred years, serving as important historical sites. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the town of Dartmouth and the entire Dartmouth community on the celebration of their 350th anniversary. May this beautiful Massachusetts town flourish for many years to come.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., recipient of the President's ``E Star'' Award for Exports. Ocean Spray Cranberries has played a pivotal role in forwarding U.S. exports abroad through its innovative, multi-tiered marketing strategies. The team at Ocean Spray Cranberries has worked extensively with non-profits to expand U.S. agricultural exports. In this way, Ocean Spray Cranberries has been a leader in the global promotion of exports in American agriculture and serves as a model for other domestic exporters. Their achievements have also enabled Ocean Spray Cranberries to employ many Americans, including many Massachusetts cranberry growers, providing valid solutions to the issue of national unemployment. Ocean Spray has long been vital to the Commonwealth's community and region's economy. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Ocean Spray Cranberries for receiving the President's ``E Star'' Award for Exports. I ask that my colleagues join me in offering congratulations.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the distinguished life of Mr. Fernando Garcia. Mr. Garcia, who served as Bristol Community College's Chair of the Board of Trustees, passed away after a long and valiant battle that lasted several years. During his life, he was a tireless advocate for students as well as educational opportunities for all, and his devotion and dedication to Bristol Community College was unsurpassed. When he was appointed the Chair of the Board of Trustees at Bristol Community College in 2012, Gov. Deval Patrick called Mr. Garcia a ``critical partner'' in the Commonwealth's ``collective efforts to better serve our students and employers.'' An exceptional role model for students and a valuable asset to his colleagues at the Bristol Community College, Mr. Garcia will be sorely missed. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Mr. Garcia was also a local business leader in the South Coast region for over 30 years. In 2001, Mr. Garcia was named Fall River's Business Person of the Year, and only a year later he was inducted into the New Bedford Area Business Hall of Fame. Mr. Garcia has also served on the Board of Directors for the Fall River Chamber of Commerce for several years and held a post as the Vice Chair for the Fall River Office of Economic Development. As a friend and leader in the South Coast community, Mr. Garcia understood Bristol Community College's role in the local economy and in the livelihoods of its students and faculty. We celebrate Fernando Garcia's life and his proactive role in the business community of Fall River. Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking Mr. Fernando Garcia for over three decades of outstanding service to the community and economy in southeastern Massachusetts. I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Mr. Garcia for his countless contributions.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lupus Awareness Month. As co-chair of the Congressional Lupus Caucus, I am honored to help raise awareness of lupus throughout the month of May. Despite affecting an estimated 1.5 million Americans--approximately 90 percent of whom are women--lupus is not very well known. And for those who have heard of the disease, it is much more widespread than most realize. Lupus is a chronic illness that can affect any organ in the body. It occurs when the immune system is out of balance, damaging the body's organs and tissues. Most puzzling, no two lupus patients experience the same symptoms. Thus, a variety of medications are used to treat the disease since its manifestations vary dramatically between cases. Many symptoms of Lupus mimic those of other illnesses, and can change over time, making diagnosis difficult. Consequently, diagnoses of Lupus can take up to four years and require visits to more than three physicians. My goal in founding the Congressional Lupus Caucus was to raise awareness and help further research efforts in regard to this little understood, life-threatening disease. Researchers are working to better understand the disease's complexity and are making great strides in finding effective treatments. Today, there are more than two dozen potential drugs for lupus in the development pipeline. Because of research, initiatives such as Lupus Awareness Month, and other grassroots efforts, more and more people with lupus are leading healthier lives and living longer than at any time in history. I am proud to report that in my home state of Massachusetts, excellent resources are available to those affected by lupus. These resources include a support group at the Bourne Council on Aging and a state-of-the-art Lupus Program at Massachusetts General Hospital. Despite local successes, Federal funding for advocacy and research remains critical. Increased funding will lead to improved knowledge of the disease and earlier and more accurate diagnoses, helping to improve disease management, diminish adverse effects, and increase quality of life for individuals living with lupus. I pledge to continue to raise awareness and do what I can to secure the resources needed to build upon the steady strides already achieved in lupus research and development. Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to continue to support lupus research and treatment and to help spread the word about this disease.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. KEATING. I thank the gentleman from New Jersey and also the gentleman from Virginia for addressing this important matter. I agree with my colleagues that habitat restoration programs are vital to coastal areas, including Massachusetts, and elsewhere throughout this country. In March, I led a letter with over 70 cosigners to the Appropriations Committee supporting funding for this important program. NOAA's coastal programs serve as the front lines of defense in the fight to keep our communities resilient, create domestic jobs, and promote local economies while benefiting fish and wildlife and improving coastal ecosystems. Further, each public-private partnership directly creates jobs and benefits local and regional coastal economies that generate more than half the Nation's GDP. These projects are improving lands that will benefit and be able to filter pollutants from storm water runoff, control flooding after storm events, provide vital nursery habitat for fish and shellfish, and create nesting and foraging habitat for coastal birds. The resulting clean water and more abundant habitats will benefit local economies by improving land values, supporting commercial fishing, improving tourism, and creating new business, and they also do beneficial work to enhance recreational opportunities. I stand with my colleague from New Jersey in urging for adequate funding for NOAA's fisheries habitat restoration programs in order to allow NOAA to continue supporting community-based restoration programs that create jobs and help protect fragile communities like the ones in my district.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the addition of a piece of Massachusetts'--and our nation's--history to the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI). In September 2013, a traditional canoe of the Wampanoag tribe, known as a mishoon, was delivered to the NMAI from Plimoth Plantation in Massachusetts-- completing its trip down the coast from the Wampanoag's historical home to our nation's capital. Here, it will be proudly displayed as a symbol of the cultural significance and technological advancement of the Tribe. The history of the Wampanoag is deeply intertwined with the turbulent settlement and birth of our nation. Known as ``the People of the First Light,'' the Wampanoag Tribe inhabited southern New England at the arrival of the first European settlers. It was the Wampanoag with whom the Pilgrims celebrated the first ``Thanksgiving,'' and it was from the preceding and continued interactions between these settlers and that native population that our modern judicial system and promotion of civil rights evolved. Today, the Wampanoag Tribe continues to play an active role in promoting tribal rights and preserving their heritage. Plimoth Plantation's Wampanoag Indigenous Program is a shared museum that has worked to educate citizens across the country and raise public awareness of the shared history, rich culture, and traditions of the tribe. The gift of the hand-made mishoon--a vessel of passage and goods--is symbolic of the role of the Wampanoag people have played from the early years of our nation to our continued fight for equality and tribal rights. I am proud that it has found a home at the NMAI--an institution devoted to the preservation of our nation's intricate history. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues and their constituents to join me in experiencing a page out of history and visiting the Wampanoag mishoon at the NMAI.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 120, for their ongoing friendship with American Legion Post 40 in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The camaraderie between these two posts began in 1978 when four members of the Canadian Legion in Georgetown, Ottawa, headed to Plymouth for a fishing trip. Before long, they found themselves chatting with members of the local American Legion Post. The following year, the Georgetown vets were invited to attend the annual Memorial Day parade in Plymouth--and so began 35 years of exchange. Each year, American Legion members attend the Warriors' Day parade in Ottawa and Canadian Legion members march with our Plymouth veterans on Memorial Day. The relationship between these two veteran associations is emblematic of the affinity between our nations. Not only are we neighbors, allies, and friends, but we also share a border, a continent, and core democratic values. As such, I was touched when American Legion Post 40 Commander Phil Ryan told our office, ``There's nothing we wouldn't do for them.'' This, Mr. Speaker, is true friendship. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the members of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 120, and American Legion, Post 40, for 35 years of friendship, respect, and understanding between their posts. I look forward to watching this alliance continue to thrive.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the New Bedford Women's Military Memorial, which was dedicated on May 10 at Fort Taber in New Bedford. This monument is located in the City of New Bedford to honor all women in military service from the Revolutionary War to the present day, and it is only the second such memorial in Massachusetts. Since the founding of our nation, women have served our country with courage, patriotism, and selflessness in times of peace and in times of war. In addition to their service, these women have fulfilled many other roles, including as mothers, sisters, daughters, wives, and of course, friends. Although women were not officially recognized in the Armed Forces until the founding of the Army Nurse Corps in 1901, countless women have served our country both directly and indirectly throughout our history. One of the earliest examples is Deborah Samson Gannett of Massachusetts who, in spite of her gender, enlisted to serve in the Army during the Revolutionary War, using her deceased brother's name as an alias. Since then, countless women have contributed to the U.S. Armed Forces as nurses, water bearers, cooks, and even saboteurs, helping to ensure our freedom. They served at home and abroad, during times of peace and on the battlefield, and were essential in helping to shape our great nation over the centuries. The New Bedford Military Memorial aptly honors these women and the many sacrifices they made. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize the New Bedford Women's Military Memorial. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing our women in service, as well as the dedicated individuals who have worked for two years to make this memorial a reality.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the twenty-one law enforcement officers from Massachusetts honored by the National Association of Police Officers' 2014 Top Cops Award. These brave officers have gone well beyond the call of duty in order to protect our citizens and keep us safe. I am proud to know that these officers are working to protect us and would like to express my gratitude for their service by presenting their names: Boston Police Department: Police Officer Omar Borges, Detective Kenneth M. Conley, Police Officer Gregory R. Eunis, Police Officer Jarrod Gero, Police Officer Jean Gerard JeanLouis, Detective John B. Joyce, Police Officer Terence Long, Police Officer Gregory McCormick, Police Officer Richard G. Moriarty, Police Officer John Moynihan, Police Officer John M. Noberini, Police Officer Jason A. Nunez, Police Officer Scott Pulchansingh, Detective Joseph G. Scaringello, Police Officer Dennis O. Simmonds, Police Officer Walter J. Suprey, and Sergeant Detective Kevin E. Waggett. Massachusetts State Police: Trooper Christopher J. Dumont. Watertown Police Department: Police Officer Miguel A. Colon, Jr.; Police Officer Michael W. Comick; Sergeant John C.P. MacLellan; Police Officer Timothy B. Menton; Sergeant Jeffrey J. Pugliese; Police Officer Joseph Reynolds, and Police Officer Jean S. Sarkissian. Many of these officers were on duty during the Boston Marathon bombings last year, and the search for the perpetrators that followed the bombings. These courageous men embody the best ideals of our country, and have dedicated their lives to our security. Mr. Speaker, it brings me great pride to recognize these officers and the incredible work they have done in the past year, and, indeed, every day. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing these officers and their role in protecting our citizens.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Judge Brian Merrick of Orleans District Court upon his retirement. Judge Merrick first took up his gavel over twenty-five years ago in Lynn, but transferred to Orleans in idyllic Cape Cod a little over a decade ago. By his own accord, he quickly became accustomed to life on the Cape. Known for his sharp legal mind, strong wit, and habit of wearing bow ties and boat shoes underneath his judicial robes, Judge Merrick has been admired by many throughout his career. He was appointed First Justice of Orleans District Court in 2013, an honor that aptly reflected his many years of service to the Commonwealth. His fellow judges, courthouse employees, and many others who have worked with him throughout the years agree that he will be sorely missed as he steps down from this position. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Judge Brian Merrick upon his retirement. I ask that my colleagues join me in wishing him the very best in his future endeavors.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize James Goodson, a veteran who served in the United States Air Force during World War II. A recipient of the military's second-highest honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, James Goodson was also one of the first Americans to fly a low-level strafing sortie over France and Belgium in 1942. Mr. Goodson, who flew in one of three ``Eagle'' Squadrons, was among the first American volunteers to serve in the British Royal Air Force. In 1942, these RAF units that consisted of American pilots were incorporated into the 4th Fighter Group of the U.S. Army Air Forces. During his career as an Eagle squadron pilot, Goodson recorded two enemy kills. Mr. Goodson has also been recognized for his brave service with the Silver Star, Purple Heart, and several other military honors. A resident of the town of Duxbury when he passed away on May 1, 2014, James Goodson will be sorely missed by his family and many friends. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor James Goodson upon his death and distinguished military career during World War II. I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing his life and his service.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today express my strong support for today's pending legislation on Ukraine. These two important pieces of legislation are similar in many respects to the Ukraine Support Act, which was adopted by the House with overwhelming bipartisan support last week. These measures will provide much-needed assistance to the government and people of Ukraine in the wake of Russia's illegal invasion and occupation of Crimea. They complement IMF efforts to restore the health of Ukraine's economy. They will support free and fair presidential elections in May, and they will expand funding for efforts to fight corruption and strengthen democratic institutions, the rule of law, and civil society in Ukraine. Just as importantly, the legislation condemns Russia's illegal invasion and occupation of Crimea and provides for additional sanctions if President Putin does not reverse course. With Russian forces now consolidating their control of Crimea and with tens of thousands of additional Russian troops threateningly massed on Ukraine's eastern border, we must remain resolute in calling on Russia to withdraw its troops and to engage in constructive dialogue with the Ukrainian government. In addition, any diplomatic effort to resolve the crisis must include the full participation of Ukrainian government representatives. Continued Russian refusal to meet these basic conditions must be met with additional sanctions. Mr. Speaker, I commend colleagues from both sides of the aisle and from both Houses, and in particular Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel, who have worked so quickly to pass legislation that reaffirms the United States' longstanding support for the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine. These measures send a clear signal to the people of Ukraine and other countries in the region that we will continue to support the principle that countries must be free to choose their own paths, free from outside pressure.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would like to yield to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Levin), a leader and a voice for Ukraine's strong move to democracy, a person who is cochair of the Ukrainian Caucus and a person who is committed to Ukraine and is one of the strongest voices here in the U.S. for that.

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself whatever time I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support of H. Res. 499, a resolution that condemns the recent violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity by Russia. I want to begin by thanking Chairman Royce for his leadership on this issue, as well as Ranking Member Engel, and for their introducing this resolution. As the ranking member on the Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats, I, along with Leader Pelosi and Whip Hoyer and my colleagues on the Ukrainian Caucus and the Foreign Affairs Committee, have watched the developments in Ukraine with concern, particularly over the last 9 months. Long before the Vilnius Summit and then-President Yanukovych's surprise announcement in November that he would not sign an Association Agreement with the EU, our administration noted with concern the pressure exerted over Ukrainian authorities to act against the interests of their own people. It began with Russian threats of trade embargo and gas supply cutoffs in Ukraine if they signed the Association Agreement. After peaceful demonstrators took to the streets in subzero temperatures, chilling cold, risking their own well-being in Kiev to protest the decision, Russia threatened to withhold billions of dollars in promised financial assistance if Yanukovych did not crack down on it. In mid-February dozens of peaceful protesters were tragically killed by Ukrainian special police receiving orders from then-President Yanukovych. Now, under the most disingenuous of pretexts, Russian President Putin has ordered his troops to invade an independent, sovereign country in blatant violation of international law. Enough is enough. We must stand with the people of Ukraine at this critical moment. The people of Ukraine, and the people of all countries in the region, and throughout the world for that matter, have the right to determine their own future free of pressure, free of threats. As Ukrainians attempt to chart out their own course, they should know that the United States stands with them and that we are committed to helping them build a more democratic, prosperous, secure, and just Ukraine. Before I go any further, I would like to commend the administration, and in particular Secretary Kerry, Assistant Secretary Nuland, Ambassador Pyatt, and the women and men of our Embassy in Kiev, who have worked so tirelessly throughout this crisis to support the democratic aspirations of Ukrainian people. I witnessed them work tirelessly during this effort, not letting 2 days go by without imploring the leadership in Ukraine to move forward. I noticed the Vice President interceding virtually 3 times a week in that same effort. So I welcome the administration's initial actions in response to Russia's invasion of Crimea, including the announcement of an executive order authorizing visa bans and sanctions on individuals and entities responsible for activities threatening Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. If Russia continues to refuse to pull back troops to its bases, there must be further consequences. These consequences must be severe, including trade and economic sanctions and expulsion from the G8. This resolution puts President Putin on notice that his reckless actions will have consequences. It calls on him to accept international monitors in Crimea and return his troops to its bases. It makes clear our support for meaningful assistance to Ukraine and to Ukraine's interim government. Therefore, I call on all my colleagues to support this House resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield to the gentlelady from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur), the cochair of the Ukrainian Caucus.

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time is remaining?

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I also want to mention that it was just a few weeks ago, also, I met with Prime Minister Yatsenyuk, as well. We had time to discuss this issue. We had time to, again, recount the valor and courage of those people who took the streets and risked their lives. It is worthwhile to note that the Prime Minister is in Washington this week, and we want to commend him for his efforts and stand beside him. Mr. Speaker, at this point, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), our minority whip, who has taken this action forward, who has spoken so loudly, and has provided great leadership on this issue.

Mr. KEATING. I yield the gentleman an additional minute.