Representative Susan Wild (D): “Striking population centers across the country, Putin sent an unmistakable message: his goal is to engage in an illegal, full-fledged attack on the innocent men, women, and children of Ukraine and to destroy their democracy. This barbaric war of choice is designed to appeal to Putin’s domestic political base, but its costs will be immense and irreversible-for Ukrainians, as well as for the everyday Russians forced to risk their lives in a war that should have never been waged.

“As the representative from Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District, my district includes one of the largest and most vibrant Ukrainian American communities in the United States. In these constituents, I have seen firsthand the extraordinary resilience of the Ukrainian people-who, in the 20th century, experienced the crimes of Stalinism, Nazi occupation, and the subsequent totalitarianism of the Soviet Union, and somehow rose above this legacy of tragedy to form a proud, independent nation. Time and again, Ukrainians have had to defend their freedom. For my Ukrainian American constituents, and for me, this latest threat to them is not an abstract discussion about geopolitics – the lives of their relatives are at stake. I stand in solidarity with them, as does the entire Greater Lehigh Valley community.

“As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and its subcommittee tasked with overseeing U.S. relations with Europe, my focus now is on working to pass the strongest and most expansive package of targeted sanctions in recent history. Putin, his fellow oligarchs, and their families must pay the steepest possible financial and political costs for this catastrophic decision.

“Together with our allies and partners, we will make sure that Putin comes to regret initiating this war. We will hold him accountable, and we will support the Ukrainian people as they defend their homeland against aggression.”

Senator Pat Toomey (R): “My prayers are with the Ukrainian people.

“Putin has launched a war of aggression against a neighboring state. His war will cost many thousands of innocent lives and threaten security around the world.

“President Biden must immediately impose the strongest sanctions possible and Congress should pass the NYET Act to cripple Russia’s financial sector and make Putin regret his terrible decision.

“Ukraine’s leadership, security forces and civilian population have demonstrated incredible resolve in their fierce fight to defend their sovereignty and livelihoods. Today, the European Union took great steps to authorize additional security assistance to Ukraine by announcing the purchase and delivery of weapons. As Europe ramps up its efforts to equip Ukrainians with the support they need, so must the United States. We must immediately send more lethal aid to the Ukrainian people to help them as they fight for their lives.

“Time is of the essence, which is why Sen. Schumer should schedule a vote on the Never Yielding Europe’s Territory Act this week, so we can finally do what we should have done months ago.”

Senator Bob Casey (D): “President Putin’s invasion of Ukraine is an aggressive escalation in his efforts to upend international order, undermine democracy and amass power at all costs. For years, Putin and his government have perpetuated hostile attacks against Ukraine and the international community, from the annexation of Crimea to sponsoring militant groups including those responsible for the deliberate downing of Malaysian Airlines flight 17 to interfering in U.S. elections. Putin has been emboldened by the former president, from his disturbing comments in Helsinki to his approval of the invasion earlier this week. This invasion is a clear violation of international law and it’s never been more important for democratic leaders to stand together in the face of Putin’s aggression. President Biden and international leaders have acted swiftly to impose financial sanctions and will continue to respond with major consequences for Putin’s incendiary actions.

“This invasion highlights the need to continue to strengthen the global alliance of democracies, including NATO, against authoritarianism and those regimes blatantly violating the international rules-based order and basic principles of sovereignty. The United States stands by the Ukrainian people and we will work with our allies to support their needs. Our first priority is the safety and security of the American people, especially American troops and Americans in Ukraine, but we will do all that we can to support the Ukrainian people in the face of President Putin’s unprovoked attack.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the Ukrainian people as they face an unprovoked invasion and the consequences that will bring – from the dire impacts to their economy to the lives lost and families destroyed.”