WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) issued the following statement on the House’s passage of H.Res 956 a resolution supporting the people of Ukraine.

“Today, I joined my colleagues in voting YES on a resolution in support of the Ukrainian people and condemning Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. As Putin continues his unjust invasion, we cannot lose sight of the people most impacted and who will continue to suffer as a result of this senseless violence.

“The crisis in Ukraine is devastating and demands a robust global humanitarian response. The United States and our allies, must lead with compassion in this moment. This begins by welcoming refugees fleeing this conflict and ensuring that humanitarian and asylum protections are offered equitably. 

We must also continue to prioritize diplomacy and work towards a negotiated solution to this crisis. I remain opposed to broad-based sanctions that could unfairly impact Russian civilians who did not choose this war and believe we must exhaust every diplomatic option with urgency to de-escalate the violence and save lives.

“We must stand strongly in support of democracy, peace, and diplomacy.”

Rep. Pressley has consistently advocated for a compassionate response to humanitarian crises like the one unfolding in Ukraine. This week, she joined her colleagues on a letter urging President Biden to use all available pathways under the law to protect Ukrainians already in the U.S. on temporary visas, including through extending TPS protections and Deferred Enforced Departure and Special Student Relief.

As co-chair of the House Haiti Caucus, Rep. Pressley has repeatedly called on the Biden Administration to halt deportations to Haiti and support the Haitian diaspora by redesignating Haiti for TPS, providing humanitarian parole for Haitians arriving at the border, and more. She has also called on the Biden Administration to lift the refugee cap for those fleeing the war in Afghanistan.. 

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