***MEDIA ADVISORY***
**FRIDAY**

Murphy To Support Ukrainian Aid Bill, Organizing Roundtable Discussion
Meeting Friday with SWPA Ukrainian Community

For Immediate Release: Thursday, March 6, 2014
Contact: Brad Grantz, 202.225.2301

(Washington, DC) – Congressman Tim Murphy (PA-18) released the following statement in advance of a vote on H.R. 4152, legislation authorizing US-backed loan guarantees for Ukraine using existing funds within the State Department for bilateral economic development. Rep. Murphy intends to vote in favor of the bipartisan legislation, which comes as the White House announced sanctions, such as asset freezes and travel bans, on key Russian officials this morning.

“Russia is using the pretense of sectarian violence to block a sovereign nation’s wishes to affiliate with the European Union and western nations. More than 16,000 Russian troops have invaded and occupied a sovereign democratic nation when there is no evidence of terrorism, acts of violence, or subjugation of Russian people or any ethnic group in Crimea or in Ukraine. By attempting to seize control of another country, Russia is undermining the peace, security, stability and aspirations of a democratic and western-leaning government. This unchecked militaristic behavior also threatens our national interests. The United States and the international community have a moral and diplomatic obligation to stop this unlawful aggression and assist the Ukrainian people as they establish a new democratic government,” said Rep. Tim Murphy.

A United States loan guarantee will reduce the borrowing risk for the Ukrainian government by guaranteeing repayment of part or all of the principal and interest. The loan guarantee for Ukraine is packaged with significant technical assistance for implementing critical economic reforms and mitigating the impact on vulnerable or impoverished Ukrainians; conducting free, fair and inclusive elections, including the media and independent civil society; combating corruption and recovering stolen assets; and withstanding politically motivated trade actions by Russia.

Aid from the United States comes as the European Union (EU) is also negotiating a $15 billion financial package for Ukraine — the same amount offered by the Russian government to the deposed Ukrainian President Victor Yanukovych in November. The European aid will likely be conditional on an agreement between Ukraine and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Southwestern Pennsylvania is home to thousands of residents of Ukrainian heritage, many of whom have family members in Ukraine. To provide details on congressional action and to hear from his constituents on current events in Ukraine, Congressman Murphy is hosting a roundtable discussion in the lower hall of St. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Carnegie at 9:30 AM.

The event will bring together representatives from St Peter and Paul Church, Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church in Carnegie, St. Mary Ukrainian Orthodox Church in McKees Rocks, and the Ukrainian American Citizen’s Club of Carnegie. Other Southwestern Pennsylvania Ukrainian parishes have been invited as well.

To RSVP or request additional information, please call Rep. Murphy’s Mt. Lebanon office at (412) 344-5583.

WHAT:  Roundtable Discussion: Revolution in Ukraine

WHO:   Congressman Tim Murphy (PA-18)

Carnegie Mayor Jack Kobistek

Heidelberg Mayor

Father Steve Repa, St. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Carnegie

Msgr. George Appleyard, Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church, Carnegie

Fr. Timothy J. Tomson, St. Mary Ukrainian Orthodox Church, McKees Rocks

George Honchar, Ukrainian American Citizens’ Club of Carnegie

Parishoners from Southwestern Pennsylvania Ukrainian churches

WHEN: Friday, March 7, 2014

 9:30AM-10:30AM

WHERE: St. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church, lower hall

     200 Walnut St (cross street is Mansfield Blvd.)

     Carnegie, PA 15106

CONTACT:   Brad Grantz, 202.225.2301

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