[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 19, 2023)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E332] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-19
Chamber: EXTENSIONS
Mr. WILSON : 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.