A heartfelt embrace from the community after a narrow vote in Congress
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
18 September, 2026
PORTLAND – Armfuls of flowers, heartfelt hugs, and tears of gratitude: this is how constituents greeted Washington Rep. Mary Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) at the airport upon her return to her district. Ukrainian Americans and allies from the local community held flags of the United States and Ukraine, as well as signs expressing gratitude to the US for its support for Ukraine.
Cheers, applause, and calls of “Thank you Congresswoman Perez!” rang out as Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez came out of the gate. (video)
Both community members and the Congresswoman herself visibly held back tears up during the emotional welcome. “We are so, so grateful for what you have done. I cannot find the words to describe how much,” said a local man as he greeted her with a bouquet of flowers. (video)
Another man, Ihor, had been displaced twice by Russia’s brutal invasion before immigrating to the United States: first from Crimea in 2014, then from Mariupol in 2022. Thursday evening he greeted the Congresswoman holding an American flag that had also come to the United States from the war zone in Ukraine. (video)
“I want to show my appreciation,” said another local as he handed her a sunflower – the national flower of Ukraine, that has become a symbol of the nation’s fight for survival and liberty. “Thank you so much for supporting us. And we are just happy and blessed to have you.” (video)
Rep. Glusenkamp Perez represents a large Ukrainian community. Many of her constituents have loved ones in Ukraine whose safety depends on depriving Russia of the ability to create more missiles and attack drones. The passage of this sanctions bill that they have been waiting for for nearly two years comes as an immense relief.
“This, to me – this is America right here. All of us,” one community member told the Congresswoman. “Yes!” she said, nodding in agreement. “People who believe in something worth fighting for.” (video)
- WHAT: A hero’s welcome – Grateful constituents met Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez as she returned to her district from Washington, D.C.
- WHERE: PDX (Portland International Airport)
- WHEN: Thursday, 18 Sept., 8:00 PM
- WHO: Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) and local supporters of Ukraine
Quotes
Rep Gluesencamp Perez:
- “It is a gift. It is a gift to serve good people. It is a gift to have something worth fighting for, and not everybody has that.” (video)
- “You, and your presence here, and your work in the world, are making our country stronger. And it is my profound privilege to stand with people who will leave it all on the field. It is a gift to be able to fight for the good thing. That is what’s happening here, and I’m very grateful.” (video)
Community members:
- “We are getting ready to meet Congresswoman Perez, whose vote was instrumental in securing the passage of the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. Thank you, Congresswoman Perez!” (video)
- “I think you’re fantastic. You’re giving me hope for the Democratic party.” (video)
- “Thank you so much,” one community member said as he handed her a massive bouquet of flowers. “You did it! You did it!” (video)
Context
Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez returned home from Washington, D.C. on Thursday evening after playing a decisive role in passing a bill to put stronger sanctions on Russia.
One of the most bipartisan members of Congress, Representative Gluesenkamp Perez is known for sometimes being willing to vote with the Republican majority on bipartisan, common-sense issues. Her vote earlier this week to bring forward a bill package that included the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act drew criticism and threats of consequences from Democratic House leadership.
The Sanctioning Russia Act has been a work in progress in Congress for a long time. After nearly two years of negotiations between Republicans and Democrats, the bill was finally on a path to passage – but one procedural vote could have derailed it.
This Tuesday two Democrats – Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) and Jared Golden (ME-02) – crossed the aisle to vote with the Republican majority to bring forward a group of bills for a full vote in the House. One of them was the sanctions bill, which is now titled “the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026.” If this procedural vote had failed, the bill would likely not have gotten a vote this year.
Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez’s vote was critical. Though this procedural rule vote was successful, it scraped by on a very narrow margin. While votes were being cast, it even looked like it was going to fail. The two Democrat votes may have been the decisive factor.
Statements on social media from the Congresswoman:
Community statements & posts on social media:
Note: No generative AI tools were used in preparing this press release.
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