U.S. Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) on April 26 sponsored bipartisan, bicameral legislation to amend certain authorities related to human rights violations and abuses by the Russian Federation and Russia-aligned forces in Ukraine.
“By ensuring strong sanctions are placed on the Russian Federation, this bill marks a step toward justice for the thousands of Ukrainians suffering at the hands of Russia’s barbaric aggression in Ukraine,” Sen. Young said. “I’m proud to lead this bipartisan bill to hold Vladimir Putin accountable and urge its passage by Congress.”
Sen. Young introduced the Ukraine Human Rights Policy Act of 2023, S. 1320, with original cosponsor U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) to establish a congressional nomination process for human rights sanctions in Sec. 228 of the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Young’s staff.
“I have met with the families of Ukrainian soldiers currently imprisoned by Russian thugs who have no idea if their loved ones are alive or dead. I have met with Ukrainians who have suffered in unspeakable ways going back to Russia’s first invasion of Crimea in 2014,” said Sen. Young. “Now, more than a year after this most recent invasion began, Russia’s egregious human rights abuses must be met with accountability, both today and in the future.
“We must now target those responsible for atrocities both on the battlefield and far beyond,” he added.
Additionally, S. 1320 would amend Sec. 252 of CAATSA to solidify support for Ukraine and to further condemn the Russian Federation and its use of paramilitary organizations; and would require the annual U.S. State Department human rights report to include details on human rights abuses in Ukraine and details on forced relocation and detention by Russia, the summary says.
“We must ensure that the horrific atrocities committed by Russia against the Ukrainian people don’t go unanswered,” Sen. Rosen said. “As we continue to stand with Ukraine in pursuit of justice for crimes against humanity, I’m proud to join my colleagues in a bipartisan effort to hold Russia accountable for its human rights abuses.”
Also on April 26, U.S. Reps. Pat Fallon (R-TX) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) introduced the same-named H.R. 2885 in their chamber.