Today, the House Foreign Affairs Committee, chaired by U.S. Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, H.R. 4278, the Ukraine Support Act, as amended. The legislation, introduced last week by Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Eliot Engel (D-NY), promotes Ukraine's sovereignty and democratic institutions while sanctioning those who have sought to undermine Ukraine's independence and stability.
Chairman Royce on the legislation's passage said: "Russia's armed intervention in Ukraine and its illegal annexation of Crimea have created an international crisis. The danger is far from over. If we wish to deter Putin from further aggression, the U.S. and our allies must take immediate action to strengthen Ukraine's sovereignty and independence and target Russian officials and others who are responsible for those actions. Removing existing restrictions on U.S. exports of oil and natural gas will not only boost the U.S. economy and create American jobs, but also enhance our national security by undermining Russia's ability to use its energy exports to blackmail other countries, including our allies in Europe. Passage of today's legislation sends a clear message of American resolve that will be heard in Kiev, in Moscow, and throughout the region."