Alaskans,
The freedom-loving world stands with the people of Ukraine during this time of needless devastation caused by Vladimir Putin and his allies. I continue supporting strong sanctions to send a message of zero tolerance to Putin, and I wanted to update you on a bill I’m working on.
I have begun drafting the Bringing Oligarch Accountability Through Seizure (BOATS) Act to seize any Russian yachts and commercial vessels currently within U.S. waters. Soon, I intend to formally introduce the BOATS Act in the House of Representatives.
This is a very difficult moment for Europe, and our solidarity with Ukraine must be backed with urgent action against rich Russian oligarchs who continue living lavish lifestyles on mega-yachts, all while their thuggish friend Vladimir Putin terrorizes innocent, peaceful Ukrainians.
Putin and his elite enablers must be driven from all areas of global commerce and public life. I continue supporting severe sanctions to diminish Putin's ability to use Russia's economy as a piggybank to commit global atrocities, but we must do more.
Given the vast humanitarian crisis created by Putin's greed and aggression, my BOATS Act will permit the U.S. federal government to auction these vessels and all contents inside, with proceeds going toward humanitarian aid efforts offered by NATO member states.
We must send a message of zero tolerance for Russian aggression, which requires us to make life as difficult as possible for Putin's sycophants. Taking action against Putin and supporting Ukraine has united our country. There is broad bipartisan consensus that Putin's violence must be met with action, therefore I call on my friends in both parties to join me in this vital effort.
Sincerely,
Don Young
Congressman for All Alaska
