CONGRESSMAN GONZALEZ VOTES TO FUND UKRAINE RECONSTRUCTION, ESTABLISH PROCESS FOR CONFISCATING RUSSIAN OLIGARCHS’ ASSETS 

WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, April 27, 2022, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) voted to support the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine and establish a process for seizing the assets of corrupt Russian oligarchs.

"Putin's tyrannical regime continues to commit unprovoked, inhumane atrocities in Ukraine," stated Congressman Gonzalez. "I am proud to join my colleagues in holding Putin's cronies accountable for their complicity and begin the process of rebuilding Ukraine. I continue to stand with the Ukrainian people and President Zelenskyy as they defend their country against this illegal aggression."

The Asset Seizure for Ukraine Reconstruction Act will establish a federal interagency working group to identify mechanisms for seizing sanctioned Russian oligarchs' property valued over $2 million – including yachts, jets, and luxury homes. The sale of these assets will be used to fund relief for the people of Ukraine, including:

· Post-conflict reconstruction

· Military, humanitarian and economic assistance

· Refugee support and resettlement

· Technology ensuring the free flow of information in Ukraine

The passage of this legislation is the most recent of several key actions taken by the Congress to isolate Russia. Last month, Congress voted to suspend permanent normal trade relations and impose a ban on the import of Russian oil and energy products into the United States. Congress also voted to reauthorize the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, and the House has advanced the Ukraine War Crimes Act to ensure that perpetrators of war crimes against Ukraine can be brought to justice.

Additionally, this year's government funding legislation provided $13.6 billion in humanitarian, military and economic assistance for the people of Ukraine, adding to the more than $1.4 billion in assistance that the United States has provided to Ukraine since 2021.

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