Washington D.C.—Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX), Lead Republican of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, spoke on the House Floor in support of a resolution disapproving of Russia’s inclusion in future Group of Seven (G7) summits until Putin respects the principles shared by other members, ceases his global attacks on democratic institutions, and relinquishes his chokehold over Russia’s neighbors like Crimea. 

 

Click to Watch

-Remarks as Delivered-

“Mr.  Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.Res. 546. Under President Putin’s leadership, Russia has invaded and occupied parts of Ukraine and Georgia, assassinated political opponents at home and abroad, and enabled the corrupt regimes of Assad in Syria and Maduro in Venezuela. Putin has also waged cyber-warfare and disinformation campaigns against the U.S. and our allies, interfered in our elections, and spied off of our coasts with their submarine warfare capability.

“All of these actions go against the fundamental principles of the Group of Seven and threaten democracy around the world. As I have said many times over the years, Mr. Putin is not our friend. The United States and our allies cannot trust him to be a reliable partner as long as he continues to lead his country down a path of corruption, assassinations, and oppression.  

“As stated in this resolution, Russia should be not be readmitted to the Group of Seven until Putin respects the principles shared by the other members, relinquishes his chokehold over Crimea, and ceases his global attacks on democratic institutions. Maintaining the integrity of the Group of Seven is vital to the Group’s success, and Russia cannot be allowed to bully its way back in.

“So I would like to thank Representative Sires for his hard work on this resolution and my good friend Representative Smith for championing this resolution today. Under Putin’s leadership, the world has become more deadly and dangerous, and his people have fewer freedoms and greater poverty. In closing, we need to stand up to dictators like Mr. Putin. This is not a Republican or Democrat issue it is an American issue, standing up against a hostile enemy Mr. Putin and the Russian Federation.”

###