This week, the House has addressed a number of issues. Among them, the growing uncertainty of the situation in Ukraine and high energy prices here in Missouri. This week also brought an unveiling of the President’s Fiscal Year 2015 budget. The House also worked to address concerns over the Obamacare penalty taxes set to take effect this year.
As you may know, Russia sent troops to the Crimea region of Ukraine, violating Ukraine’s national sovereignty. In response, many options are being discussed here in Washington and with our allies and partners abroad. This week, the House took action to condemn this act of aggression by Russia and provide support for the government of Ukraine. One action that the President has advanced is to provide loan guarantees for Ukraine so that they would not have to rely on Russian energy. The House passed H.R. 4152 this week, which would ensure any funds would come from existing appropriations rather than from future spending. This helps to accomplish the U.S. objective of assisting the Ukrainian people, without increasing future spending. It is important that we send a clear signal to Russia that its violation of the sovereignty of Ukraine is not acceptable, and the international community will ensure there are consequences.
