Mr. Speaker, I rise today in solemn remembrance of the 85th anniversary of the Ukrainian famine and genocide known as the Holodomor.
In 1932, Joseph Stalin and the Soviet Union set out a horrific policy to confiscate food and resources from Ukraine. This resulted in the intentional starvation and death of millions of people. At the height of the Holodomor, 28,000 people died per day, and over 30% were children under 10. For over half a century, the Holodomor was denied and covered up by the Soviet regime.
Today is Holodomor Memorial Day, and we remember the victims of this senseless crime against humanity. As leaders across this country, let us remember this act of genocide and stand up against the prejudice and hate that will seek to divide us.