Congressman Flood Delivers Floor Speech on Russia’s Ongoing Invasion of Ukraine

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congressman Mike Flood delivered a speech on the House floor addressing America’s need to provide Ukrainians with the arms they require to defeat Russia. 

Video of the remarks can be found by clicking here. News outlets are welcome to use the footage for their reporting purposes. The full text of the speech is below.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address Russia’s ongoing efforts to conquer portions of Ukraine.

While additional American financial support for Ukraine is on hold right now, it’s imperative we remember why America has supplied military aid.

This isn’t merely a territorial dispute. 

This is a repeated attempt by an imperialist Russia to build an ethnic empire.

You don’t have to take my word for it – Vladimir Putin has compared himself to Czar Peter the Great. 

For 21 years, Peter the Great waged the Great Northern War to defeat Sweden. His victory coincided with the beginning of the Russian Empire in 1721.

Today, Putin doesn’t just want portions of Ukraine – he wants to end the post-World War II order that has underpinned freedom and economic prosperity in Europe and beyond. 

While America shouldn’t be on the hook to fund the everyday operations of Ukraine’s government, it is imperative we give Ukrainians the arms they need to beat back the reincarnation of what Reagan called the “Evil Empire.” 

With that Mister Speaker, thank you, and I yield back.