Hoyer Statement on 86th Anniversary of the Soviet Invasion of Poland

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today marking 86 years since the Soviet Union invaded Poland on September 17, 1939, as part of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact:

"Today marks 86 years since the Soviet Union launched its surprise invasion of Poland as part of its Molotov-Ribbentrop pact with Nazi Germany. The Nazi-Soviet conquest of Poland was the opening salvo of the most destructive war history has ever known - one born of appeasement, deceit, and broken promises.

"Less than a lifetime later, Europe finds itself amid the largest war it has seen since 1945. The parallels are striking. Once again, Russia is trying to redraw borders by force with its criminal invasion of Ukraine. Once again, Russia threatens Poland - this time flying military drones into its airspace. And, once again, America is sitting on the sidelines as dictators threaten democracy not only in Europe but around the world.

"It is time that the House act on our overwhelming bipartisan consensus to support Ukraine. I urge my colleagues to sign the discharge petition for the Ukraine Support Act. Only five more Members need to sign to give that crucial legislation a fair vote on the House Floor. We ought to take to heart the hard-learned lessons of 1939 and act."