WASHINGTON, DC—Representative Eliot L. Engel, the leading Democrat on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today released the following statement regarding the announcement by the White House of the President’s intention to sign the Ukraine Freedom Support Act:

“I commend President Obama for signing the Ukraine Freedom Support Act, clearing the way for the United States and our allies to keep the pressure on President Putin and expand support for Ukraine. This legislation gives the President broad authorities to respond to Mr. Putin’s aggression while at the same time allowing flexibility to consult with our allies. News out of Moscow makes clear that our actions against Russia so far are having an impact. The Ruble has collapsed and the Russian economy is teetering on the edge. Nevertheless, Moscow-backed forces continue to flout international law and trample on Ukraine’s sovereignty while the Russian people bear the burden. We need to do more, and I welcome the President’s decision.”

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