FOR THE RECORD: Rep. Bob Schaffer's letter to speaker of the House (07/29/01)

FOR THE RECORD

Rep. Bob Schaffer's letter to speaker of the House

Following is the text of a letter sent on July 19 by Rep. Bob Schaffer (R-Colo.) to Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.), speaker of the House of Representatives, in regard to the recent House action on the Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill which provides for a significant reduction in funding for Ukraine for Fiscal Year 2002.

Ukraine will celebrate 10 years of independence on August 24 of this year. Ten years ago Ukraine declared its independence from the Soviet Union and embarked upon the challenging road to democracy, free markets and spiritual renewal. Ukraine was so integral to the USSR because of its resources and productivity that the Soviet Union disintegrated immediately upon Ukraine's declaration of independence.

In the past 10 years Ukraine has struggled to overcome monumental obstacles to freedom. The pressures, from Russian and from socialist remnants within its own government, to reintegrate into Russia have been intense, yet they are being overcome. The threat of economic ruin, and the consequent devastation of 52 million lives, has loomed constantly on the horizon, yet it hasn't happened.

Ukraine has enacted a Constitution. For the first time in its history, its citizens enjoy free elections. Ukraine lives peacefully with all its neighboring countries, even offering support where it can.

Ukraine has freely abolished the third largest nuclear arsenal in the world in the interest of world peace. It has refused lucrative contracts with other countries wanting to develop nuclear weapons programs.

The economy of Ukraine, which has been rebuilt from scratch, is growing at a rate that today is being called miraculous. Ukraine is well on its way to becoming stable and independent, and, as such, will be able to ensure liberty and human rights for its citizens.

This has not been an easy road, and Ukraine is still suffering from inner turmoil. There are still powerful forces within Ukraine that cling to the old ways of communism and harbor deep resentment for the United States. America has forcefully demanded swift improvements in civil rights, human rights and an end to rampant corruption in Ukraine.

Understandably, where reform has been slow, the Congress has grown impatient. I share these concerns with our colleagues, but this is not the time for recriminations. Instead, we should show as much confidence as possible in the heroic successes of Ukraine's reformers, but most of all, the Ukrainian people. Anything less will stall the tremendous progress being made and yield the nation to certain despots who long for the days of Soviet dominance. America's investments in Ukraine have fueled the progress of reform and empowered our earnest friends. Cutting this aid only empowers the detractors of freedom in Ukraine.

Mr. Speaker, without question, the recent actions of the House in the Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill do, in fact, harm our interests in Ukraine. We have unwittingly advanced the disastrous cause of Russian reunification.

Firm in my belief, I will work to persuade our colleagues in the Senate to restore funds for Ukraine. This is a very critical time, and the challenges we face in Ukraine are small when compared to the burdens we will endure should America abandon the authentic reformers - our friends - in Ukraine. Your support in achieving this important objective is essential.

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