South Dakota’s lone U.S. House member Dusty Johnson says he was moved by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s speech this morning.
Zelenskyy addressed Congress by video from Kyiv. Johnson released a video on social media with his reaction.
“He talked to us about how America as the leader of the world needs to be a leader of peace. And he asked us to continue doing what we're doing, and go a step further, put secondary sanctions on those who are doing business with Russia," Johnson said. "Make sure that they're held accountable and provide the Ukrainians the tools that they need to defend themselves. It was a powerful address, and I think it is going to change the tenor of the conversation here in Washington.”
Today, Johnson, a Republican, and Representative Victoria Spartz, R-Indiana (who was born in Ukraine), along with 16 bipartisan colleagues, introduced the Defenders of Ukraine Congressional Gold Metal Act.
The bill would collectively award the Congressional Gold Medal to the defenders or people of Ukraine. Johnson said it would make clear that America stands with Ukraine, and it would honor those who choose to defend their country.
The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian award in the U.S.
President Zelenskyy’s address was powerful — it will certainly change the tenor here in Washington. pic.twitter.com/PbTAXrtQMF
— Rep. Dusty Johnson (@RepDustyJohnson) March 16, 2022
