Lake County Gazette

A bipartisan Congressional delegation led by Reps. Peter Roskam (R-IL) and David Price (D-NC) is visiting three House Democracy Partnership (HDP) partner countries in military operating areas near Russia.

The Weekly Standard reported the lawmakers are “expected to visit emerging democracies near Russia's borders this week in an effort to assure allies that the United States won't stand for Russian aggression.”

“Authoritarianism is on the rise around the world. Russia, in particular, is attempting to undermine democratic institutions and subvert democracy," Roskam said in a prepared statement. "It’s important to send a clear message to our friends and allies around the world: the United States Congress stands with you.”

The HDP is a bipartisan commission of the U.S. House of Representatives. It was founded in 2005 with the mission to assist legislatures in emerging democracies by promoting responsive and effective democratic governments.

“As an American of Ukrainian descent, I have seen first-hand the influence and support that the HDP has provided in the last three years after the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia," Illinois resident and American Ukrainian Diaspora Activist John Jaresko said. "Congressman Roskam's unwavering stance and his visits to Ukraine following the Revolution of Dignity with his colleagues may be the very visible support needed to secure Ukraine's sovereignty. The HDP visits throughout the world embrace and support those democratic principles which the United States has the duty to help foster. Their work is invaluable."