Washington D.C. – Rep. Eliot L. Engel, the senior Democratic member on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, hailed today’s overwhelming passage by the House, 385-23, of loan guarantees to Ukraine.

“I fully support the passage of this loan guarantee for Ukraine, which is crucial to sustaining its new government as it seeks to restore stability and return the country to political and economic health. Without this support, Ukraine’s progress could stall in the face of unrelenting pressure from Russia, which has illegally occupied a part of Ukraine, is encouraging separatism and conflict, and which has substantial leverage on the Ukrainian economy. Our country has a long history of answering the call of people who have chosen freedom and democracy. Ukraine is now making that call and we must answer. This bill is our first step. In the days ahead, I will work with my colleagues to craft a package of additional assistance to help the Ukrainian people through these difficult times.”

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