Dear Friends,  Just over a week ago, Putin launched an unprovoked, unjustified, and ruthless invasion of Ukraine. In the time since, President Biden has rallied virtually all of our allies to forcefully condemn and punish Russia for these illegal and inhumane actions. He even got Switzerland, which kept doing business with the Nazis during World War II, to join our sanctions. We have imposed strict economic sanctions, banned Russian aircrafts from entering our airspace, and cut off major Russian banks from the international economy. The Biden-Harris administration has also done what some may have thought was impossible in getting Germany to sacrifice access to a gas pipeline from Russia, a reversal in a policy that dates back 70 years. The United States is using every tool at our disposal, short of armed conflict, to condemn Russia and support the Ukrainian people. And this is just the start. As chair of the Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, I am working to advance legislation to end Russia’s “most-favored nation” trading status, which the United States last did against those committing genocide in Bosnia and Herzegovina three decades ago. This would immediately make all Russian imports uncompetitive in the global market, cutting off Putin’s cash flow. I am also advocating that the United States to kick Russia out of the World Trade Organization, further isolating them from the rest of the globe. I am encouraged by the actions of the Ukrainian people, they deserve our support in this trying time for them and their family and friends back home. I strongly support President Biden’s request for $2.9 billion in emergency supplemental assistance for Ukrainian refugees. More than a million Ukrainian civilians have already fled their country. We have a responsibility to support these refugees now, including by raising the cap on refugee admissions so they can come to the United States. I also joined my colleagues in calling on the administration to provide Ukrainians currently in the United States with Temporary Protected Status. I am committed to deploying more humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine for the duration of this crisis.  I have also been heartened to see the Oregon Slavic community gather to pray, protest, and fundraise for the people of Ukraine. In times of great uncertainty, community is a powerful tool. I have taken time to check in with members of the Ukrainian community in our district and will continue to do so as this situation develops. I will be sure to keep our community updated as we continue these efforts.