Today, Rep. Haley Stevens’ (MI-II) resolution, HRes 336, calling for the release of her wrongfully detained constituent, Paul Whelan, of Novi, unanimously passed the House. This bipartisan resolution has 21 Democratic cosponsors and 20 Republican cosponsors.
“Today, we stood together as a Congress to denounce Paul’s wrongful imprisonment by Vladimir Putin and his Kremlin regime,” said Rep. Haley Stevens (MI-11). “In the nearly four years since Paul’s detention, we have seen Vladimir Putin further isolate himself on the world stage as his government has dissolved into one of lawlessness, leading through threats and violence. We must stand up and make it clear that American citizens will not be used as political pawns by Putin. I would like to thank Representative Meeks and Representative McCaul for their attention to this issue and diligent work in the Foreign Affairs Committee to advance this resolution on a bipartisan basis. Paul was detained just a few days before I was sworn in as a Member of the United States Congress, on December 28th, 2018. This is deeply personal for me and should be for all Americans.”
“As Vladimir Putin wages a barbaric war in Ukraine, we cannot forget the American citizens like Paul Whelan who have been languishing as political prisoners in Russia for years,” said Rep. Tim Walberg (MI-07).“After enduring such hardship, Paul’s health is deteriorating and he’s unable to receive reliable treatment. This is a grave injustice. We have continued to press Paul’s case at the highest levels, and I am pleased that our resolution calling for his immediate release has once again passed the House with strong bipartisan support.”
“While we celebrate the release of American Trevor Reed from Russia, sadly Paul Whelan remains a political prisoner, '' said Rep. Dan Kildee (MI-05). I thank President Biden for his continued commitment to bringing Paul home, and none of us will stop advocating for Paul’s release until he is home in Michigan reunited with his family. Paul has been unjustly detained for more than three years, with no credible evidence presented in his case and Russia denying his basic human rights. It is time for Paul to come home.”
In October 2019, the House passed Stevens led H.Res.552, a bipartisan, bicameral resolution calling for the Russian Government to provide evidence of wrongdoing or release Paul Whelan.
Original source can be found here.
