Republicans Reject Sen. Welch’s Resolution Condemning Russia’s Brutal Invasion

Welch Speaks on Senate Floor Reaffirming Support for Ukraine

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) last night took to the Senate floor alongside Democratic colleagues to reaffirm that Congress and the American people stand with President Zelenskyy and will not abandon the people of Ukraine as they defend their country against Russia’s unjust invasion. In his remarks, Senator Welch asked the Senate to agree to a resolution reaffirming the United States’ support for the principle that no country can take another by force or threat of force. Senate Republicans rejected Senator Welch and his colleagues’ resolutions. 

“America’s global alliances and leadership have been anchored on the

principle that no country should seize and occupy the territory of another country by force…My hope is that we in the United States Senate would reaffirm those principles of territorial integrity and do that on behalf of the American people. And I have introduced a resolution that does just this,” said Senator Welch. “I think all of us know that’s among the most fundamental propositions holding together the world’s very fragile peace. It’s also a fundamentally American principle that we have advocated for and defended. And it’s a principle that we must uphold today on behalf of the people and the sovereignty of Ukraine—not just for their benefit, but for our national security.” 

Read the full text of the resolution here, and watch Senator Welch’s speech below: 

Read the Senator’s remarks as delivered here.

On the third anniversary of the Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Senator Welch joined Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and his colleagues in introducing the Protecting our Guests During Hostilities in Ukraine Act, legislation that would provide temporary guest status to Ukrainians and their immediate family members who are already in the United States through the “Uniting for Ukraine” parole process. The bill allows Ukrainians to stay and work in the U.S. until the Secretary of State determines that hostilities in Ukraine have ceased and it is safe for them to return.