WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, U.S. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) joined his Congressional Ukraine Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Mike Quigley (D-IL), and Andy Harris (R-MD) and Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-IN) to introduce the Ukrainian Independence Park Act. They were joined by House Committee on Natural Resources Chair Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) and Ranking Member Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and over 100 other bipartisan cosponsors.
"As Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, I stand in full support of designating the Ukrainian Independence Park in Washington, DC as a symbol of the friendship between the US and Ukraine and our mutual commitment to upholding freedom and democracy," Fitzpatrick said. "The Ukrainian Independence Park would serve as a national symbol of the solidarity between the freedom-loving people of Ukraine and the US and would also serve as a reminder of the bravery and courage displayed by the Ukrainian people in the face of tyranny and evil."
"I am happy to co-lead the Ukrainian Independence Park Act with Ranking Member Westerman. It will recognize the strength and resiliency of the freedom loving Ukrainian people which has inspired many Americans," Spartz said.
"Ukraine is the scrimmage line for Liberty in Europe – and Ukraine’s fight against tyranny is the world’s fight against tyranny. The establishment of the Ukrainian Independence Park will serve as an enduring reminder of the closeness of our two nations, and of Ukraine’s heroic stand for freedom and democracy," Katpur said.
"The Ukrainian people have shown such enormous strength and courage during this time—their efforts deserve recognition. Washington DC is a place that embodies the principles of freedom and democracy, therefore I see this as the perfect site to designate as Ukrainian Independence Park. As this war continues, we must do all we can to show Ukraine and the world just how committed we are to protecting them and supporting the preservation of their sovereignty," Quigley said.
"I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation, which will serve as a reminder that the United States recognizes the complete independence of Ukraine and stands in solidarity with their people as they fight for their lives and sovereignty against Vladimir Putin's war machine," Harris said.
“For the many Ukrainian-Americans living in the United States, Putin’s brutal attack on Ukraine has become a daily nightmare playing out on their television screens and across social media. They are watching in horror as their loved ones and beloved home country are being terrorized and destroyed. Establishing the Ukrainian Independence Park certainly won’t make the nightmare disappear, but it is a small, but important gesture to show Ukrainians here—and across the globe—that we stand with them in solidarity. I thank Rep. Spartz for her leadership in making this important and thoughtful gesture," said Chair Grijalva.
"Our nation’s parks serve as places where we can reflect on our shared heritage and the founding values of our democratic nation. As we stand together in unified, bipartisan support of Ukraine, Representative Spartz’s legislation demonstrates the solidarity between the people of the United States and Ukraine and our shared values of freedom, the rule of law, and self-determination. Ukrainian Independence Park will stand as a permanent symbol in our nation’s capital of the unwavering resolve of Ukraine’s people to remain a free and independent nation," Ranking Member Westerman said. "I encourage all of my colleagues to join our bipartisan coalition in supporting Representative Spartz’s legislation."
This legislation is endorsed by the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council, U.S-Ukraine Foundation, Ukrainian American Bar Association, Ukrainian American Citizens’ Association, Ukrainian American Credit Union Association, Ukrainian National Association, Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, Evangelical Environmental Network, Airbnb, and the National Parks Conservation Association.
You can find the bill text here.
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