# The BOATS Act: Banning Russian Ships from U.S. Waters

This bill prevents Russian-owned or Russian-operated ships from entering or doing business in American ports and waterways. If a Russian vessel tries to dock at a U.S. port, transfer cargo, or operate in navigable U.S. waters, it would be breaking the law. The only exception is if the Secretary of State decides it's in the national security interest to allow a specific Russian ship to enter—and if that happens, Congress gets notified within 15 days with an explanation of why.

The bill creates real teeth for enforcement. If a Russian ship ignores the ban and enters U.S. waters anyway, the government can seize and auction off the vessel. Anyone involved in operating or managing the ship in violation of this rule faces serious consequences: up to 50 years in prison and fines up to $10 billion. The money from auctioning off seized ships would go toward humanitarian aid for Ukraine, but only through NATO member countries. This provision lasts for one year or until the President declares the Russia-Ukraine conflict has ended, whichever comes first.

For most Americans, this bill won't directly affect daily life. However, it could impact shipping costs and product availability if Russian vessels were a significant part of U.S. trade routes, though that's limited since Russia isn't a major shipping partner for most American goods. The bill essentially weaponizes U.S. ports as a way to pressure Russia economically during the conflict with Ukraine. It also requires the Coast Guard and State Department to maintain and publish lists of Russian-owned ships so enforcement agencies know which vessels to watch for.

BOATS Act

Young, Don

Bringing Oligarch Accountability Through Seizure Act or the BOATS Act This bill prohibits Russian vessels from entering or operating in the navigable waters of the United States or transferring cargo in any port or place under U.S. jurisdiction, except for national security purposes. Violation of this prohibition subjects a vessel to seizure and forfeiture. Any Russian vessel seized and forfeited to the United States shall be sold at an auction to any entity that is not affiliated with Russia. The proceeds of such auction may only be used for humanitarian aid to Ukraine that is provided by other member states of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.