FOR THE RECORD: House of Representatives debate on aid to Ukraine (08/05/01)

FOR THE RECORD: House of Representatives debate on aid to Ukraine

Printed on these two pages, for the record, are remarks by members of the House of Representatives concerning aid to Ukraine. The remarks were made on July 24, the day the House voted to reduce U.S. foreign assistance to Ukraine from the $169 million requested by the Bush administration to $125 million. (For a related story on Senate action, see page 1.)

Rep. Marcy Kaptur

Remarks by Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), co-chair of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I rise and wish to present to the committee an amendment that concerns Ukraine.

The real issue for us here in the House today is whether the United States should begin walking away from the most strategic country in Central Europe: Ukraine. My amendment says stay the course with the democratic forces for reform. It says do not single out Ukraine as the only nation in the world that will receive a one-third cut from last year's allocation. My amendment will allow the committee and will allow this Congress more flexibility as we move towards floor passage and conference in order to restore the funds that rightfully should go to democracy building in that new republic.

Let me just say that proposing to reduce assistance for Ukraine comes at absolutely the wrong time. The third set of parliamentary elections are about to occur. During the last week of August, Ukraine will celebrate its 10th year of independence. This kind of ill-advised action by this Congress is going to give the forces that are against reform a greater share of authority inside that country. I do not really think that the gentleman, the chairman of the committee and other members that proposed this initially, really want that to happen.

Put it in the context of our own country. It took us 11 years from the time of the Declaration of Independence to adopt our own Constitution, 89 years to end slavery at the end of the Civil War, 141 years to give women the right to vote, and 188 years for the adoption of the civil rights acts of our country. Now, I am not suggesting Ukraine should take that long. All I am saying is that after 10 years certain members may be expecting too much.

Let me also say that other nations, like Russia, are making very favorable overtures toward Ukraine, particularly with the recent appointment of former Russian Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin as the new Russian ambassador to Ukraine. America should be no less interested in Ukraine. Further, the House bill does not even meet the administration's request of $170 million for Ukraine, and President [George W.] Bush and Secretary [of State Colin] Powell have both stressed the importance of this strategic partnership.

Even the wife of the slain journalist Heorhii Gongadze wrote a letter to all of us in which she says, "Do not do this. It would be a terrible mistake to adopt the House committee version." She says, "Condemn the actions and inactions of the Ukrainian executive power when appropriate, demand open and honest investigations, seek the truth about my husband's murder, and cut off funding or restrict it, if you deem it necessary, but please do not reduce the aid to Ukraine that is so important in the building of a normal Democratic society." I will insert her full letter in the Record.

This September, we are going to have the first Rada-Congressional exchange to try to more completely work together as legislative bodies in our respective communities, to try to help integrate Ukraine more fully into the world community.

Do I think everything is rosy in Ukraine? I would be the first to say no. Much more remains to be done on nuclear safety.

I wish to insert in the Record two letters. One from our U.S. Department of Energy and one from the Ukrainian ambassador to the United States talking about the serious nuclear safety issues that still remain and need to be addressed in Ukraine.

We need full investigations into the suspicious deaths of independent journalists. We need an independent and free press and media and allow them to develop and help them to develop in that country. We need to urge Ukraine to create a judicial system and rule of law that yields justice. We need to ensure human rights and free speech to help advance that country toward a more open free market economy with reliable and transparent credit institutions, and we need to help them complete land title reform and agricultural transition to a privatized system of production.

The report that accompanies the bill is also inadequate. I am going to also insert into the Record tonight more complete language that should be in the report that urges Ukraine toward these types of reforms.

But let me remind our colleagues, Ukraine has had major accomplishments over the last decade. It has, at our request, completely dismantled its nuclear weapons. It has worked to become and wishes to be part of the full union of European and Western states. Ukraine refused to sell turbines to Iran, giving up an economic sale in excess of over $100 million.

The current president of Ukraine personally invited Pope John Paul II for a historic visit with Ukraine. I might say to the chairman of the full subcommittee, with all due respect, last week you spoke eloquently of not isolating China and you voted on behalf of opening China up. I can tell you China arrests Catholic bishops. She would not invite the pope into that country. In fact, she ordains phony bishops. So I would say do not treat Ukraine in a manner any worse than you would treat China.

If you look at Ukraine, she has a growing middle class. It has grown at over 6 percent this last year. Industrial production is up by a fifth. Land privatization is occurring. Small businesses are up by 40 percent. Small bank accounts have started. In fact, and this is really important for our colleagues to understand, almost all of the U.S. assistance to Ukraine does not go to the government. In fact, it goes to help the development of the very organizations that are working for all the good causes I have just talked about: small business development, exchange programs, support for independent media, municipal development, nuclear clean up; all these very, very worthy causes.

So in offering this amendment today it was my hope to put some of this on the Record. It is my hope that as this bill moves toward full passage and over to the Senate that we might get some perfecting language that would not single out Ukraine for this type of harsh treatment by the people of the United States.

In fact, our hope is that this discussion today and the chairman's willingness to allow us to talk about this in giving us some time on the floor will help to give us a meeting of minds so that we can, in fact, perfect the House language and help Ukraine move herself into the company of the free nations of the world.

Department of Energy

Text of July 23 letter from the Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration, to Ambassador William B. Taylor, Jr., coordinator of U.S. assistance to the NIS, U.S. Department of State.

Dear Ambassador Taylor:

We understand that the House Committee on Appropriations report on foreign operations limits Ukraine assistance in 2002 to $125 million, based partly on the completion of major nuclear safety projects. The International Nuclear Safety Program has completed the safety parameter display system project, the simulator project, and the Chornobyl Replacement Heat Plant project. However, additional nuclear safety work is needed in Ukraine.

Projects that are not yet complete include: simulator and operator training; completion of in-depth safety assessments; physical security upgrades; non-destructive examination improvements; operational safety improvements; emergency cooling reliability upgrades; plant computer upgrades; and nuclear fuel qualification.

I recently returned from a visit to Ukraine for commissioning of the Chornobyl replacement heat plant and for reviewing State/AID supported projects at the Khmelnytski nuclear power plant. I saw impressive progress due to State/AID assistance at both locations. The Ukraine safety program is at a pivotal stage. On the one hand, clear improvements to safety and operations are evident and documented. However, an enduring safety culture has not taken hold and important projects remain to be completed which Ukraine is currently unable to provide for itself. Until that safety culture is firmly established, cutbacks may endanger the progress made to date, e.g., they may drive Ukraine to seek help from Russia in some areas.

We plan to complete nuclear safety improvements at reactors in the countries of the former Soviet Union by 2006. A reduction in funding would prevent current projects from being completed, and reduce the sustainability of the already completed projects. We hope you will support this important work at the same level as last year. We look forward to continuing to work with you.

Sincerely,
James M. Turner
Assistant Deputy Administrator

Embassy of Ukraine

Text of July 9 letter from the Embassy of Ukraine, Washington to Rep. Marcy Kaptur.

Dear Congresswoman Kaptur:

I wish to address you on a matter of urgency for the country and people I represent as ambassador here in Washington.

I was informed that a few days ago the Appropriations Subcommittee on Foreign Operations approved a draft Foreign Operations Bill that instituted a cap of $125 million of technical assistance to be made available for Ukraine next fiscal year, thus reducing by $44 million the amount requested for my country by the U.S. administration.

The committee's draft report advances three reasons for this reduction: "the completion of long-term projects in nuclear safety, the continuing setbacks to needed reform, and the unresolved deaths of prominent dissidents and journalists in Ukraine."

I believe that both the subcommittee's recommendation and its substantiation would be quite different if all the relevant facts were taken into consideration.

Of particular concern to all Ukrainians would be the message that "projects in nuclear safety have been completed." Ukraine just a few months ago marked that 15th anniversary of the Chornobyl meltdown and mourned its countless victims. Disastrous effects of that tragedy are still having a tremendous negative impact on the everyday life of millions in Ukraine - diverting close to 10 percent of the GDP for programs to alleviate the damage from this horrific calamity. The message that the United States considers its involvement in upgrading nuclear safety of the existing nuclear reactors in Ukraine as "completed" would only exacerbate the deeply felt sense of so many Ukrainians that we have been abandoned by the international community to deal singlehandedly with this problem of a global magnitude.

As to "continuing setbacks to needed reform," it is clear that we could have done better in the past. On the other hand, the country has demonstrated spectacular sustained economic growth over the last 18 months while being fully dependent on imports of gas and oil and getting no assistance from the international financial institutions. It is rather difficult to imagine how this could have been achieved without reforms finally starting to produce positive effects on the economy.

As for the last reason of the subcommittee recommendation, let me unequivocally state that the disappearance of journalist Heorhii Gongadze is considered in Ukraine not only as a terrible human tragedy but also as a case that needs to be fully investigated in a manner that would leave no doubt as to its circumstances and culprits. We value assistance provided by the FBI to the Ukrainian law enforcement agencies in the investigation and hope that this cooperation will help resolve the case in the near future.

This August Ukraine marks the 10th anniversary of our independence. After hundreds of years of oppression, unimaginable sufferings and millions of deaths, the Ukrainian people will be celebrating our first decade of freedom. This will be the time for festivities but also for deep reflections on our past, present and future. This will also be the time when Ukrainians will remember the crucial role of the United States in helping us achieve this long-sought and hard earned freedom. When Ukraine was under Soviet dominance the United States Congress created a strong bond between the Ukrainian and American peoples by adopting each year resolutions demanding freedom for captive nations. Ten years after this freedom had become reality this bond could and should be reinforced by continuous assistance provided by the Congress directly to the Ukrainian people.

I rely on your deep knowledge and understanding of the crushing problems a newly independent state has to overcome and your vision of Ukraine's future as a democratic and prosperous member of the Western community of nations, that you have shared with me, in helping to provide in the next fiscal year adequate funds for effective and meaningful technical assistance to the people of Ukraine.

Sincerely,
Kostyantyn Gryshchenko
Ambassador

Rep. Chris Smith

Remarks by Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), co-chairman, Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki Commission).

Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the Kaptur amendment which would create a floor rather than a ceiling for the level of funding for U.S. assistance to Ukraine. The level of funding provided for assistance to Ukraine, as has been pointed out, $125 million, is not insignificant. However, it does represent a precipitous $44 million reduction from last year, the 2001 level of $169 million.

I share the concerns about some of the recent developments in Ukraine which are raised in the report language, including the unresolved deaths of Ukrainian journalists. In fact, I was the first member to express concerns about murdered journalist Heorhii Gongadze following his disappearance last September.

In May the Helsinki Commission, which I co-chair, held a hearing devoted exclusively to the situation in Ukraine. Clearly the downward trends and negative developments in Ukraine were enumerated, and the leadership of Ukraine were strongly encouraged to demonstrate in word, and as the chairman pointed out, in deed as well, greater respect for human rights and the rule of law.

Mr. Chairman, two weeks ago I co-chaired the U.S. delegation to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in Paris. One of the most moving and most powerful moments of that entire meeting was Mrs. Gongadze's acceptance of the OSCE Prize for Journalism and Democracy on behalf of her murdered husband. And as the gentlewoman pointed out, she has called on this body not to cut this funding.

While we were troubled by the developments in Ukraine, including the situation of the media and the April ouster of Ukraine's reformist Prime Minister, we cannot deny the positive developments either. These include for the first time in over a decade strong economic growth, continued good relations with her neighbors, and a cooperative partnership with the West, especially the United States.

Now is not the time to cut assistance. Ukraine still has tremendous needs. For example, the Chornobyl power plant was shut down last December, but the consequences of that nuclear disaster still leave an indelible mark on the Ukrainian nation.

They need continued assistance in overcoming this devastating legacy, especially its toll in cancer and other serious illnesses. Ukraine's weak medical infrastructure still faces considerable challenges, such as the growing AIDS problem. As the gentlewoman from Ohio [Rep. Kaptur] pointed out, very little of our assistance benefits directly the Ukrainian government. Instead, it goes to programs that help NGOs and the independent media or municipal and small business development.

With the parliamentary elections approaching next March, NGOs, political parties and reform-oriented local governments working to strengthen democracy in Ukraine need our support, as does the independent media.

Finally, Mr. Chairman, in his address at Warsaw University during his visit to Poland last month, President Bush stated, "The Europe we are building must include Ukraine, a nation struggling with the trauma of transition. Some in Kyiv speak of their country's European destiny. If this is their aspiration, we should reward it."

Rep. Bob Schaffer

Remarks by Rep. Bob Schaffer (R-Colo.), co-chair, Congressional Ukrainian Caucus.

Mr. Chairman, Ukraine has demonstrated a consistent willingness to develop a robust friendship and mutually beneficial partnership with the United States.

At our request, Ukraine has abolished the third largest nuclear arsenal in the world and has maintained a consistent non-proliferation policy ever since. I might add that in some cases this has been done at considerable fiscal detriment to Ukraine. The refusal of aid to Iran in their nuclear program is one such program that warrants our praise and appreciation.

Ukraine has successfully and peacefully negotiated border treaties with all of its neighboring countries and has maintained a distinctive partnership with NATO. Ukraine has made significant contributions to regional and international peace and stability through its participation in NATO-led peacekeeping missions.

The economic growth of Ukraine is integral to its development as a democracy. Without Ukraine's stable government and infrastructure, the hope of further democratic reforms will fade because a government preoccupied with its own survival cannot guarantee even basic rights for its citizens.

There are members of government in Ukraine, hard-line Communists, who would like to see Ukraine return to the days before Ukraine's independence. It has been a consistent struggle for Ukraine to come so far, and I think, frankly, the timing of the cut proposed in the bill here could not be worse. In my estimation, it will unwittingly empower the anti-reformists and stall the progress which has been made over the years.

Ukraine on August 24 will celebrate its 10th anniversary of independence. The Ukrainian people will mark their first 10-year anniversary of freedom after hundreds of years of oppression. This is a monumental achievement, and [it] should be welcomed and praised. While I understand the concerns that were raised by the committee and do not wish to minimize them, there are very, very many positive achievements in Ukraine that have been achieved with the support and assistance of this Congress.

Mr. Chairman, I hope that we can stand behind those positive reforms and see them sustained. I would ask the gentleman's assistance as this process moves forward in achieving that.

Rep. Nita Lowey

Remarks by Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.), ranking member, Foreign Operations Subcommittee.

Mr. Chairman, I wanted to extend my congratulations to the gentlewoman [Rep. Marcy Kaptur] for her strong support of the people of Ukraine. I know of her work as the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Agriculture in providing technology and assistance to the good people, understanding that by giving them the tools and giving them the skills they can help themselves to a strong democracy.

I just want to assure the gentlewoman that I support maintaining a robust assistance program in Ukraine. Our aid helps build democracy, strengthens local government, encourages a free press and builds a stable and prosperous society. The current situation in Ukraine dictates that we maintain support for those in Ukrainian society who seek democracy, freedom and stability.

Again, I want to thank her for her important work. I know that we will continue to work together.

Rep. Jim Kolbe

Remarks by Rep. Jim Kolbe (R-Ariz.), Chairman, Foreign Operations Subcommittee.

Mr. Chairman, before I yield back my time, continuing to reserve my point of order, I would just like to say I also thank the gentlewoman from Ohio [Rep. Marcy Kaptur] and the gentleman from Colorado [Rep. Bob Schaffer] for their contributions not only to this debate but to the ongoing work that both of them and other members of the House of Representatives have done to help support the people of Ukraine.

I think there is no doubt, Mr. Chairman, that we have a common objective. We all want to make sure that the Ukrainian people have their opportunity to have a democracy, to have their voices heard in their country. They want to have freedom. They want to have the same rights that Americans have and that other people around the world have. We have no disagreement with that. We have no disagreement among ourselves about the objectives. There are sometimes differences over how we achieve that objective. Sometimes it is a carrot, and sometimes it is a stick. Sometimes we do not always agree on which is the right time to administer either the carrot or the stick, and we may have that disagreement here, but we do not have any disagreement over the objectives that we are trying to achieve for Ukraine.

I will certainly pledge to continue to work with the gentlewoman from Ohio on making sure that everything that we do in our subcommittee is designed to help promote democracy and a civil society in Ukraine.

Rep. Maurice Hinchey

Extension of remarks by Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-N.Y.) member, Congressional Ukrainian Caucus.

Mr. Speaker, I oppose the provision in the Foreign Operations Appropriations Act for 2002 that reduces U.S. foreign assistance to the country of Ukraine to $125 million, which is $45 million below both last year's funding level and what the president requested.

With its geo-strategic location between Russia and our NATO allies, Ukraine has an inherent importance to our national security. It houses a major naval fleet with access to the Mediterranean and can be a major communication and oil conduit between Europe and Asia. As the sixth most populous nation in Europe, Ukraine is filled with resources and promise, and we can't afford to turn our backs on it.

Over the past 16 months the Ukrainian economy has grown immensely. In fact, since January of this year Ukraine's GDP has risen by over 9 percent. The privatization of land and businesses has proceeded at an unprecedented rate and the National Bank of Ukraine has undergone a series of reforms to promote transparency and stability. These are tremendous accomplishments for a country that was part of the Soviet Union until 1991.

This year also marks the 15th anniversary of the Chornobyl nuclear disaster, and the impact of this tragedy continues to haunt the Ukrainian people. Children still suffer from illness caused by exposure to radiation. Much of the farmland, which is vital to the survival of the people, remains contaminated. The recent closing of the remaining Chornobyl reactors has added to the already severe power shortage in Ukraine. The disastrous effects of this tragedy demand that this body reach out the hand of humanitarian aid.

Despite its numerous accomplishments, Ukraine still requires U.S. assistance. The $125 million provided in this bill will not effectively fund the programs needed to assist Ukraine down the road toward democracy and prosperity. It is a shame that this bill severely cuts aid to this country, at a time when it is needed most. I believe that we should at least provide last year's level of funding, which was $170 million. Ukraine has made great strides since its independence, and it deserves our continued support.

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