Congressman Don Young Helps Introduce Urgent Legislation to Ban Imports of Russian Oil

Statement

Today, Congressman Don Young (R-AK), a member of the House Energy Action Team (HEAT), joined Congressman Tom Cole (R-OK) in introducing the Prohibition on Imports of Russian Oil Act. This legislation would immediately cease all U.S. imports of Russian oil and other petroleum-based energy products. Implementing a ban on Russian oil would further hold Vladimir Putin's regime accountable for its unprovoked and ruthless attack on Ukraine.

Congressman Young has taken a leadership role among his colleagues as the House of Representatives works to make Putin pay for his crimes. Earlier this month, Congressman Young introduced the United States-Russian Federation Seafood Reciprocity Act, legislation banning imports of Russian seafood. This week, he introduced the Bringing Oligarch Accountability Through Seizure (BOATS) Act, which requires the President to seize Russian oligarch yachts and vessels in U.S. waters. Additionally, the BOATS Act permits the United States federal government to auction these vessels and all contents, with proceeds going toward humanitarian aid for Ukraine. Last night, he voted in support of a resolution voicing support for the people of Ukraine and demanding an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of Russian forces.

"America purchases more than 700,000 barrels of oil and other petroleum products each day from Russia. This unfortunate truth means that Vladimir Putin and his cronies are using American families as a piggy bank for an illegal war on Ukraine. We must continue standing with the Ukrainian people, which requires us to undermine Putin's war chest as much as we possibly can," said Congressman Don Young. "Today, I am proud to help introduce the Prohibition on Imports of Russian Oil Act. Russia's oil industry makes up about one-quarter of its Gross Domestic Product, which means this commonsense legislation would starve Putin's war machine of the financial resources it depends on. In addition to my BOATS Act and a ban on Russian seafood, this bill would send a clear message of zero tolerance to Putin, his sycophants, and other dictators around the world. Innocent people are being massacred; we must act."

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