Above: Gottheimer speaking at Teanecks Ukraine Vigil.

TEANECK, NJ — U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) spoke at the “Teaneck Stands With Ukraine” vigil this week, to mourn the innocent Ukrainians lives lost to Russia’s horrifying invasion and to stand united against a vicious attack on democratic values. Gottheimer is leading a bipartisan, bicameral bill in the U.S. House of Representatives to ban Russian oil imports to the U.S., to cut off Putin’s largest revenue source and punish Russia for their invasion of Ukraine.

“I pray that those suffering in Ukraine find peace and that this senseless war waged by Russia ends,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “I’m hard at work — with colleagues from across the aisle and in both chambers — introducing legislation to ban Russian oil and petroleum from being imported to our shores. We must hit Putin where it hurts, and actions like these will help put even more pressure on Putin’s regime to leave Ukraine.”

Gottheimer was joined by North Jersey residents and leaders including NJ State Senator Gordon Johnson, NJ Assemblywoman Ellen Park, Teaneck Mayor James Dunleavy, Deputy Mayor Elie Y. Katz, Deputy, Mayor Mark Schwartz, Councilman Keith Kaplan, Councilwoman Karen Orgen, Councilwoman Michael Pagan, Councilwoman Gervonn Romney-Rice, and members of Clergy.

Below: Local leaders and attendees from Teaneck’s Ukraine Vigil.

Gottheimer’s remarks as prepared for delivery: 

In times of crisis and tragedy, when innocent lives are under siege, we have always done best when we’ve stood together, united against a vicious attack on democracy.

From our Commander-in-Chief, to the Congress, across party lines, our nation is united in taking aggressive action to put pressure on Putin a ruthless dictator to stop Russia’s horrific war of aggression against the people of Ukraine, and to help ensure Ukrainians can pursue democracy and prosperity free from Putin. That they can stand together for freedom and bravery

These weeks have been heart wrenching to say the least. As I’m sure many of you know, yesterday, a Russian strike hit the area of the Babyn Yar Holocaust Memorial Center, which is where between 70,000 and 100,000 people were killed by the Nazis, including almost the entire Jewish population of Kyiv. Babyn Yar is one of the largest World War II mass graves in Europe, and Putin ruthlessly chose to target it in a strike, killing at least five civilians. To bring more death and despair to Kyiv breaks my heart.

I pray that those suffering in Ukraine find peace and that this senseless war waged by Russia ends.

We’re all joining together tonight to support the nearly 74,000 Ukrainian-Americans here in New Jersey, and to pray for them, their families, and all their loved ones in harm’s way.

Our nation has already responded quickly and aggressively to this conflict, rallying together with our NATO and democratic allies, helping build an international coalition to counter Russia, support Ukraine, and protect democratic values.

We’ve shut down Putin’s access to assets in the United States and sanctioned Russia’s major banks — important first steps, but we need to do more.

Right now, despite widespread condemnation of Russia’s actions, the United States is continuing to import more than half a million barrels each day of oil.

However, as we announced earlier today in the Capitol, I’m hard at work — with colleagues from across the aisle and in both chambers — introducing legislation to ban Russian oil and petroleum from being imported to our shores. 

We must hit Putin where it hurts, and actions like these will help put even more pressure on Putin’s regime to leave Ukraine.

Now is the time to come together — here at home and with our allies abroad. 

We need to stand strong for the people of Ukraine.

This is a moment for people who love democracy at home and around the world to unite, and that’s what we must do — from both sides of the aisle — from throughout our community — here in the greatest country in the world.

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