House Passes Iran, Russia and North Korea Sanctions Bill

Washington, D.C. - July 26, 2017 (The Ponder News) --The House of Representatives approved H.R. 3364, the Countering Adversarial Nations Through Sanctions Act, by a bipartisan 419-3 vote.

U.S. Representatives Martha McSally (R-AZ) released the following statement on The Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, legislation passed with overwhelming bipartisan support to increase economic and political sanctions on Iran, Russia, and North Korea:

“Iran, Russia, and North Korea are our top adversaries—threatening our national security, disrupting global stability, and defying the principles of freedom, justice, and equality that America stands to protect. The bill that we passed today with my strong support is one of the toughest sanctions packages Congress has ever passed—and also one of the most necessary. These countries are dangerous. It’s time these bad actors face consequences. Additionally, this sanctions package empowers Congress to review and disapprove of any sanctions relief extended to Russia. Congressional review in this matter is essential and appropriate.”

Congressman Patrick Meehan (R-Pa.) issued the following statement:

“These sanctions put hostile regimes in Moscow, Tehran and Pyongyang on notice,” said Congressman Meehan. “For eight years under President Obama, accountability took a back seat to accommodation when it came to our adversaries on the world stage. Each of these regimes continues to pursue campaigns of aggression and belligerence, but today’s bipartisan vote shows they will not go unpunished.”

“These sanctions will hit these regimes where it will hurt, and they’ll limit our enemies’ access to the hard cash necessary to finance aggression, human rights abuses and support for terror. I’m pleased to see the legislation approved by the House and I hope the Senate acts to send it to the President’s desk for his signature promptly,” Meehan said.

Ranking Member of the Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats Subcommittee, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks, released the following statement on the House’s passage of H.R. 3346, the Russia-Iran-North Korea Sanctions Bill:

"It is quite telling that the first major bill to be sent to President Trump is one that limits his authority, because members of both parties in both houses of Congress cannot trust President Trump to act on behalf of America’s interests when it comes to Russia. Mere months ago, Trump gave away national secrets to Russian diplomats and sold out our allies in the Oval Office. With new details constantly emerging that shed light on this administration’s many lies regarding its cozy relationship with Russia, Congress voted overwhelmingly to strengthen sanctions on Russia.

“This bill sends a strong message to Russia and our allies: when the sitting President fails to do so, the US Congress will hold accountable anyone complicit in attempting to destabilize Western democracies.”

Rep. Tom O’Halleran voted pass the bipartisan Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act to impose sanctions on Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

“I am pleased to see broad bipartisan support on sanctions for countries who disregard international laws and basic human rights,” said Rep. O’Halleran. “We must make it clear that the actions of these three countries will not be tolerated anywhere, and this legislation goes a long way to hold them accountable.”

The legislation makes permanent existing sanctions on Russia over the country’s actions in Crimea and Ukraine and cyber attacks in the U.S., and it implements new sanctions on Russian-financed companies involved in off-shore oil projects and individuals doing business with the Russian military or intelligence agencies. Included in the legislation are sanctions on Iran over their ballistic missile program, support of terrorist groups, and human rights violations, and it expands sanctions on the North Korean government and countries and organizations working with the Kim regime.

“Our national security and the safety of our children is not a partisan issue,” continued O’Halleran. “We must continue to curb the rise of terrorism in the Middle East by preventing the sale of arms to and from Iran and halting the country’s ballistic missile program.”

Additionally, the legislation includes a bill co-sponsored by Rep. O’Halleran that combats the funding of terror organizations and requires President Trump to develop a strategy for combatting the financing of terrorism and related forms of illicit financing.

U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ) released the following statement regarding the passage of H.R. 3364, Russia, Iran and North Korea Sanctions Act.

"It speaks volumes that the first major bipartisan piece of legislation expected to come out of this Congress reins in this President’s authority. This tough package strengthens the ability of Congress to oversee the implementation of critical sanctions on some bad actors. Congress is sending a clear message to the world that we will not stand idly by as North Korea, Iran, and Russia threaten their neighbors and continue to undermine American interests at home and abroad," Rep. Pascrell said. “I call upon the Senate to pass the bill to hold these regimes accountable for their destabilizing actions and the President to then swiftly sign this sanctions package into law."

Two weeks ago, Rep. Pascrell called on House leadership to bring a legislative package of Russia sanctions up for a vote in light of remarks by a White House aide indicating the Trump Administration was preparing to return shuttered Russian compounds seized as punishment for Russia's election interference. Rep. Pascrell also authored the No Russian DACHA Act to ensure that sanctions relief only comes in exchange for Russia ceasing the behavior that prompted these sanctions.

In December, Rep. Pascrell wrote a letter to Congressional leadership asking lawmakers to take early action in the new Congress to confront Russia's geopolitical aggression. His letter stressed codification of economic sanctions against Russia for their occupation of Crimea.

Rep. Pascrell has also been closely following the growing tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Earlier this month, he held a roundtable discussion with Korean-Americans in his district to discuss possible legislative action, including need for increased sanctions.

Rep. Pascrell is a cosponsor of the Iran Ballistic Missiles and International Sanctions Enforcement Act (H.R. 1698), which expands sanctions against Iran with respect to the ballistic missiles program of Iran. This bill would use targeted sanctions to try and halt Iran’s ballistic missile program, requiring the President to identify and sanction individuals and entities contributing to Iran’s ballistic missile program.