December 26, 2022 – WASHINGTON – Last week, U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island) spoke on the Senate floor ahead of consideration of their amendment calling for asset seizure for Ukraine reconstruction.

Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina)

The Graham-Whitehouse amendment allows the sale and proceeds from assets – including seized mega-yachts, private jets, mansions, and expensive art – from sanctioned Russian oligarchs and entities supporting Putin to be used to the benefit of the Ukrainian people. 

Ukrainian President Zelensky has called on nations to use seized assets to help pay for the reconstruction of Ukraine. The provisions outlined in the Graham-Whitehouse amendment would make Putin and his cronies pay for the infrastructure, schools, hospitals, and homes his military has destroyed without any cost to the American taxpayer. The amendment applies to sanctioned persons already designated for malign activity outlined in executive orders and for those who facilitate Putin’s war efforts.

“I’m very pleased the Senate unanimously adopted my amendment with Senator Whitehouse to allow assets seized from sanctioned Russian oligarchs and entities supporting Putin to be used to the benefit of the Ukrainian people,” said Senator Graham.  “This change in U.S. law allows the proceeds of seized assets to support Ukrainian war efforts, which is a win-win for the people of Ukraine and the American…