The Stop Evasion of Iran Sanctions Act

Janesville, WI - June 11, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- The Republican Study Committee (RSC) has endorsed Bryan Steil’s bill, H.R. 6015, the Stop Evasion of Iran Sanctions Act, as part of RSC’s National Security Strategy: Strengthening America and Countering Global Threats. Steil has been a member of the RSC since 2019 and is a member of the RSC National Security and Foreign Affairs Task Force.

“The United States will not allow Iran to avoid our sanctions and develop a nuclear weapon. My bill enforces sanctions on Iran and on countries that evade our sanctions to financially support the regime. Our National Security Strategy targets Iran’s malign actions and includes the toughest sanctions ever on Iran. I am grateful for RSC’s support of my bill and will continue working with my colleagues to hold Iran accountable and keep America safe. We must keep our eyes on the ball and never allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon,” said Steil.

“We are proud to endorse this important legislation to stop the Iranian regime’s attempt at sanctions evasion and to help enhance President Trump’s ‘Maximum Pressure’ campaign on Iran,” RSC Chairman Mike Johnson said. “Iran has shown it will stop at nothing to circumvent U.S. sanctions so it will have the funds to spread terrorism, obtain nuclear weapons, and threaten Israel. Congress can make sure that doesn’t happen by passing The Stop Evasion of Iran Sanctions Act. I thank Congressman Steil for his continued leadership in the national security arena, and I urge my colleagues in Congress to support his smart, tough approach on Iran.”

You can read the RSC’s National Security Strategy here.

In April, Steil penned an op-ed in the Washington Examiner on the need to hold Iran accountable. Steil also joined Spicer & Co. on Newsmax to discuss the importance of ensuring Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon.

The Republican Study Committee (RSC) has served as the conservative caucus of House Republicans and a leading influencer on the Right since its original founding in 1973. It exists to bring like-minded House members together to promote a strong, principled legislative agenda that will limit government, strengthen our national defense, boost America’s economy, preserve traditional values and balance our budget.

Iranian Oil

Today's News about Iranian Oil

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Trump’s Iran Sanctions Increase Tensions, Escalating His March to War Against Iran
Source: Liz Cheney (R-Wyoming at large)
April 23, 2019
“President Trump seems determined to go to war with Iran, even after he campaigned on the platform of ending regime change wars. Trump’s move yesterday to deny sanctions waivers to countries purchasing Iranian oil drives us closer to war with Iran, increasing tensions in the region, and putting the U.S. at odds with many of our allies. His actions make our country less safe, damaging our non-proliferation efforts and negotiations to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula,” said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. “The Trump Administration continues to do the bidding of Saudi Arabia without regard for our own national security and economic interests. It is in our national security interest to rejoin the Iran nuclear agreement, and in that regard, lift the sanctions that are hurting the Iranian people. Whatever concerns we may have apart from Iran’s nuclear program can be dealt with in separate agreements.”

Read more...

Cheney Applauds President Trump’s Decision to Zero Out Iranian Oil Exports
Source: Liz Cheney (R-Wyoming at large)
April 22, 2019
“The Trump Administration today took an essential step in its maximum pressure campaign against the hostile regime in Tehran. Oil is a significant source of revenue for Iran. By not granting these exceptions for the import of Iranian oil, the President is underscoring a clear message: when it comes to depriving Tehran of funding for its terror network, nothing is off the table. With this move, the Trump Administration is rightfully putting those who continue to import Iranian oil on notice.”

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Senator Markey Opposes Trump Administration’s Decision to End Sanctions Waivers for Countries Importing Iranian Oil
Source: Senator Edward J.Markey (D-MA)
April 22, 2019
“Today’s announcement is bad for U.S. foreign policy and bad for American consumers,” said Senator Markey. “We should have stayed in the Iran deal, which was working. This administration’s tunnel vision on Iran has already cost us in terms of credibility by going back on our word. Having already harmed our relationship with Europe, the Trump administration is now choosing to punish our allies South Korea and Japan as we try to face the threat posed by North Korea.

Read more...

Rubio Applauds Additional Oil Sector Sanctions Against Maduro Enablers

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by: Senator Marco Rubio (R - FL)

Washington, D.C. - April 16, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed additional oil sector sanctions against individuals and entities providing a lifeline to the illegitimate narcoterrorist tyranny of Nicolás Maduro:

“I strongly support the Trump Administration’s efforts to increase pressure against the communist regime in Havana, which is not only repressing the Cuban people, but also using its military and intelligence services to prop up dictator Nicolás Maduro’s illegitimate regime in Venezuela. With today’s new sanctions against foreign companies that are enabling the Cuban regime and Maduro’s narcoterrorist crime family, the U.S. is standing with legitimate Interim President Juan Guaidó and the Venezuelan people in their efforts to restore democracy and constitutional order.”

Rubio is the Chairman of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Women’s Issues.

ENGEL AND & MCCAUL APPLAUD HOUSE PASSAGE OF SYRIA SANCTIONS BILL

Washington, D.C. - January 23, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- Representative Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Rep. Michael McCaul, the Committee’s Ranking Member welcomed unanimous passage in the House of Representatives of legislation to impose new sanctions on Syria’s Assad regime and its supporters and encourage negotiations to end the nearly eight-year old crisis. The Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act is named for the former Syrian military photographer known as “Caesar” who documented Assad’s horrific brutality.

“The world has failed the Syrian people. Nothing can undo the horrors they have had to endure for nearly eight years. Nothing can bring back those who have been lost. But the world owes it to the living and the dead to try to bring this crisis to an end. And the role America must play is to push for a political solution that allows the Syrian people to choose their own future. That’s what American leadership looks like. That’s what sets us apart from other great powers on the world stage. We simply cannot look the other way and allow Assad, Russia, and Iran to steamroll over Syria,” said Chairman Engel on the House floor. “My bill would give the Administration greater leverage to raise the cost for Assad and crack down on his lifelines.”

Ranking Member McCaul said, “For seven years, the brutal Assad regime has carried out a merciless campaign of violence and murder with impunity. In order to secure lasting peace in the region, we need a strategy that moves beyond Assad’s debilitating stronghold to encourage negotiations and pursue a political solution to end this conflict. This legislation provides the Administration much-needed leverage to impose sanctions against Assad and his backers, punish war criminals, and cut off funding that fuels the regime’s war tactics. We must act immediately to hold Assad and his supporters accountable to deter this perpetual cycle of brutality against the innocent people of Syria. I look forward getting this vital legislation over to the White House.”

The Caesar Syrian Civilian Protection Act of 2019 is named in honor of the former Syrian military photographer “Caesar” who risked his life to show members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Assad’s torture of Syrian civilians. This bill would impose new sanctions on human rights abuses, encourage negotiations, and authorize the State Department to support entities that are collecting and preserving the chain of evidence for eventual prosecution of those committing war crimes or crimes against humanity in Syria. This legislation also leaves flexibility for the Administration so that sanctions can be waived on a case-by-case basis to keep negotiations moving along.

The Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act would require the President to impose new sanctions on anyone who

Does business with or provides financing to the Government of Syria, including Syrian intelligence and security services, or the Central Bank of Syria;

Provides aircraft or spare parts for aircraft to Syria’s airlines (including financing);

Is involved with construction and engineering projects controlled by the Syrian government; or

Supports Syria’s energy industry.

The bill includes provisions to ensure that non-governmental organizations providing assistance to Syria are not inadvertently caught by sanctions, except in the case of a designated terrorist.

Under the bill, the President could waive sanctions on a case-by-case basis. Also, sanctions could be suspended if the parties are engaged in meaningful negotiations and the violence against civilians has ceased. Suspension would be renewable if the suspension is critical to the continuation of negotiations and attacks against civilians have not resumed.

Turkish Banker Convicted of Conspiring to Evade U.S. Sanctions Against Iran and Other Offenses

Source: U.S. Department of Justice

Mehmet Hakan Atilla was found guilty of conspiring with others, including Reza Zarrab, aka Riza Sarraf, who previously pleaded guilty to evading U.S. sanctions among other offenses, to use the U.S. financial system to conduct transactions on behalf of the Government of Iran and other Iranian entities, which were barred by U.S. sanctions, and to defraud U.S. financial institutions by concealing these transactions’ true nature.

Read more about this at U.S. Department of Justice

Rep. Scott Peters Supports Crack Down on Iran Ballistic Missiles

Source: Scott Peters (D-CA, 52nd)

Washington, D.C. - October 30, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) followed through on his promise to hold the Iranian regime accountable for its destabilizing activities in the Middle East, and pursuit of ballistic missiles by voting to support the Iran Ballistic Missiles and International Sanctions Enforcement Act.  

Congressman Peters strongly supports condemning and curbing Iran’s conventional weapons program and sponsorship of terror through strict sanctions. The Iran Ballistic Missile and International Sanctions Enforcement Act directly targets those activities by giving the President the authority he needs to stop the supply, manufacture, and financing of such harmful weapons. In addition, it does not undermine the internationally negotiated Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), passed by the United States along with Russia, China, our European Allies, and Iran, which significantly restricted the path to a nuclear-armed Iran. Today’s action goes after Iran for its ballistic missile development. 

“The Iranian regime continues to foment instability across much of the Middle East,” said Rep. Scott Peters. “From the beginning, I have maintained that while the Iran Deal is the best way to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon for many years, the United States and our allies must continue to hold their feet to the fire for their ongoing human rights abuses, support of terror activities, and ballistic missile program. The recent test of ballistic missiles designed to deliver nuclear weapons goes directly against the calls of the United Nations Security Council presented under UN Security Council Resolution 2231 and passage of enhanced sanctions for this activity is an important step toward holding the regime accountable.”

Rep. Peters continued, “These sanctions are part of a smart, tough strategy determined to stop Iran from maintaining its current path. This proposal not only cracks down on the development of dangerous weapons, but also targets those individuals at the heart of the foreign and domestic supply chains. This bipartisan approach is exactly the type of action we need to counter threats around the world and keep Americans safe.”

House Passes Iran & Hizballah Sanctions Bills

Source: Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ, 9th)

Washington, D.C. - October 30, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr. (NJ-09) voted for the passage of three bills to take on the growing global threat of the Iranian missile program and the Hizballah terrorist organization. Rep. Pascrell was co-sponsor of all three bills, H.R.1698, H.R.3329, and H.Res.359 (details below).

“We must continue sending a strong signal that the United States is serious about combating the growing threat Iran poses in the region," Rep. Pascrell said. "By clamping down on the financial support terrorist groups receive and additional sanctions targeting Iran’s ballistic missile program, we can pressure Iran to change course and take steps to reduce threats in the region. We cannot do this alone, so I hope our allies will join us in designating Hizballah as a terrorist organization and increase pressure on it and its members to cease and desist. These concrete steps will allow us to work towards a safer region and a safer world."

BACKGROUND

H.R.1698 - Iran Ballistic Missiles and International Sanctions Enforcement Act

This bill 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. This bill would require the President to identify and sanction individuals and entities contributing to Iran’s ballistic missile program. In addition, the bill would require the executive branch to determine if Iran’s ballistic missile tests violate UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which “calls upon Iran not to undertake any activity related to ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons,” and to determine whether responsible parties should be subject to sanctions
H.R.3329 - Hizballah International Financing Prevention Amendments Act of 2017                             

The Hizballah International Financing Prevention Amendments Act would impose new sanctions against foreign individuals and companies that knowingly assist, sponsor, or provide significant financial, material, or technological support to entities known to fundraise or recruit on behalf of the agents and affiliates of Hizballah. This legislation also requires the president to report to Congress whether the foreign financial institutions of Iran and other state sponsors of terrorism are facilitating transactions on behalf of Hizballah, and therefore should have additional sanctions imposed against them pursuant to U.S. law. In addition, the legislation would impose blocking sanctions against Hizballah for conducting narcotics trafficking and other significant transnational criminal activities, and strengthen reporting requirements on Hizballah’s racketeering activities and efforts by foreign governments to disrupt Hizballah’s global logistics networks and fundraising, financing and money laundering activities. To further expose the foreign terrorist organization’s rampant corruption, it also requires a report on the estimated net worth of senior Hizballah members and any individuals determined by the president to be senior foreign political figures of Hizballah.
H.Res.359

Urges the European Union to designate Hizballah in its entirety as a terrorist organization and increase pressure on it and its members.

House of Representatives Votes to Impose New Sanctions Against North Korea

Washington, D.C. - October 26, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- On October 24, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3898, the Otto Warmbier North Korea Nuclear Sanctions Act. The Otto Warmbier Nuclear Sanctions Act, H.R. 3898, incurs strict penalties on any individual that facilitates transfers to North Korea through U.S. accounts or any foreign account that may touch the U.S. financial system.

Statements from House Representatives are below:

Andy Harris (R-MD, 1st)

“I commend my colleagues in Congress for passing the Otto Warmbier North Korea Nuclear Sanctions Act. Otto’s death was the result of abuse by his North Korean captors – one of countless atrocities committed by Kim Jong Un and his oppressive dictatorship. Congress can no longer stand idly by while North Korea starves its citizens, abuses its American prisoners, and builds a nuclear arsenal with the intention of attacking the United States.”

French Hill (R-AR, 2nd)

“We took action in the House Financial Services Committee to impose stronger sanctions on North Korea. We passed legislation out of the committee with a strong bipartisan vote that would incentivize stricter sanction enforcement by foreign countries and require regular reports on sanction implementation from the Department of the Treasury. The legislation also would impose economic restrictions on a number of North Korean and Chinese banks as well as trading corporations and individuals associated with those entities. It also would give the International Monetary Fund the ability to use its budget to assist member states with improving their capacity to prevent money laundering and terrorism finance.

“This legislation comes at an important time as the United States and the international community are taking significant actions against the North Korean regime and their many threats. This legislation adds to the actions the Administration and Congress have already taken to reign in this rogue nation.”

Strong Sanctions On North Korea Encouraged in the House

Source: Ted Budd (R-NC, 13th)

Washington, D.C. - October 25, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Representative Ted Budd (R-NC) voted in favor of the Otto Warmbier North Korea Nuclear Sanctions Act. If signed into law, this legislation would subject the North Korean regime to the toughest sanctions package ever

“The United States has a long history of using its economic influence to advance an agenda that liberates the oppressed and promotes freedom for those in the darkest corners of the world, like North Korea,” said Rep. Budd.

“This legislation will help to put the brakes on the advancement of the North Korea’s nuclear weapon’s program. For too long, the regime has been able to use allies throughout the global financial system to bypass UN and US sanctions. This bill gives the international community a clear choice that they can conduct business with the United States, or with North Korea.”

Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) is one of nine Democrats to cosponsor the legislation and also supported the legislation earlier this month in the Financial Services Committee.

“These are some of the toughest sanctions ever brought forward by this body and I commend my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for supporting this bill,” said Congressman Delaney. “North Korea is a significant threat to our national security and to the security of our allies and to avoid a catastrophe, we must utilize every tool we have. As the world’s leading economy, we have tremendous leverage and we should make sure that North Korea lacks the resources to threaten the safety of the world. Unfortunately, that leverage in Asia has been significantly weakened by President Trump’s withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which would have led to domestic economic growth and strengthened our hand with China. I look forward to this legislation passing the Senate and being signed into law so that we can start cracking down on those that do business with North Korea.”

H.R. 3898 passed the Financial Services Committee on October 12, 2017 with unanimous bipartisan support (56-0). The legislation strengthens President Trump’s executive orders on North Korea by codifying into law presidential waiver authorities that provide for sanctions relief if North Korea takes meaningful steps to limit its development and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

The House Passes Barr’s North Korea Sanctions Bill

Source: Andy Barr (R-KY, 6th)

Washington, D.C. - October 25, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The House of Representatives today approved legislation introduced by Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) to impose the most far-reaching sanctions ever directed at North Korea. H.R. 3898, the Otto Warmbier North Korea Nuclear Sanctions Act was passed in the House with overwhelming bipartisan support, and was recently passed by the Financial Services Committee with a unanimous vote of 56-0.

“North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, illicit missile tests, and other aggressive actions represent a threat to the national security of the United States and the world,” said Congressman Barr. “The legislation passed by the House today would hold North Korea accountable by imposing the most far-reaching sanctions ever directed at Pyongyang, putting tremendous economic pressure on the Kim Jong-Un regime and its foreign enablers. In doing so, we can deny North Korea the financing it needs to fund its nuclear and missile programs.”

“Clearly, the status quo is not working to change North Korea’s hostile behavior. I appreciate the bipartisan support for my bill to change course and to give tougher sanctions on North Korea a chance to confront the Kim regime’s belligerence.”

The legislation is named in honor of Otto Warmbier, an American student who died after being returned to the United States in a coma after more than a year of being held by the North Korean regime.

IRD Urges President Not to Follow Obama Administration on Sudan

Source: Institute on Religion and Democracy Media

Washington, D.C. - October 24, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Sudanese Americans are set to gather Wednesday in Washington, D.C. in order to urge the Trump Administration not to permanently lift sanctions on Sudan’s government. Sanctions were temporarily lifted by President Barack Obama days before he left office.

The Institute on Religion & Democracy Church Alliance for a New Sudan is a co-sponsor of the demonstration to support the continuation of sanctions and call attention to the Government of Sudan’s ongoing atrocities against indigenous peoples.

In an open letter to President Trump from “American citizens, genocide survivors, and human rights activists” the Sudanese Human Rights Advocacy Group asks for sanctions to remain and for additional sanctions to be imposed on Sudanese officials. Activists from Sudan argue that the Khartoum government has consistently worked to undermine U.S. national security by supporting terrorism, committing genocide, persecuting Christians and political dissidents, demolishing churches, imprisoning priests, destabilizing neighboring countries, and preventing access to humanitarian relief for internally displaced people.

The letter outlines Sudanese regime atrocities from the time of now-President Omar Al-Bashir’s recruitment by Islamists in 1989 to seize power. The writers remind President Trump that “U.S. sanctions were mainly imposed to curb the actions of the Sudanese regime and prevent it from continuing its genocide.”

IRD Religious Liberty Program Director Faith J.H. McDonnell commented:

“The Islamic Republic of Sudan is waging genocidal war against the black, African marginalized people groups in Darfur, Nuba Mountains, Blue Nile State, and in the Nubian areas of North Sudan.

“The Khartoum regime is, and has been for decades, a key player in global jihad and the violent spread of Islamic imperialism. The Obama policy has been one that has cast the regime persecutors as morally equivalent with the persecuted and their defenders.

“Although the sanctions have not prevented Khartoum’s prosecution of genocide, to lift them would increase the atrocities and the speed of the Government of Sudan’s Final Solution against marginalized peoples.”

Bill to Toughen North Korea Sanctions & Policy Introduced in the House

Source: Mike Gallagher (R-WI, 8th)

Washington, D.C. - October 16, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Mike Gallagher, along with Representatives Ann Wagner (R-MO) and Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) introduced the bipartisan Leverage to Enhance Effective Diplomacy Act of 2017.  This bipartisan bill would impose tougher sanctions and policies on North Korea as the U.S. continues working on a diplomatic solution to the threat of North Korea’s developing nuclear capabilities. The bill authorizes efforts to combat Pyongyang’s widespread human rights and labor trafficking abuses, and applies economic and diplomatic pressure to North Korea and those who enable it.

After the bill was introduced, Rep. Gallagher released the following quote:

“For more than twenty years, American foreign policy has failed to fundamentally change North Korean behavior. It is time that the United States change its approach to impose significant costs on actors that support and enable the Kim regime’s reckless aggression. The LEED Act takes an important step by making crystal clear that those who do business with Pyongyang will not be welcome to do business with America.”

U.S. Lifts Sanctions on Sudan

Source: Karen Bass (D-CA, 37th)

Washington, D.C. - October 13, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.) issued the following statement after an announcement by President Trump that he signed an Executive Order to permanently lift sanctions on Sudan. This action builds on President Obama’s Executive Order 13671, which partially lifted executive-branch sanctions on Sudan and established criteria for the complete revocation of sanctions after a review period of six months. In July, President Trump extended the deadline on whether to lift sanctions.

"During the past year, there has been notable progress in areas outlined by the Five Track Engagement Plan (5TEP), including: Opening humanitarian access throughout the country; maintaining a cessation of hostilities in Darfur and the Two Areas (Nuba Mountains and Blue Nile State); ceasing support to South Sudanese rebel movements and cooperating on threats to regional security.  While some are concerned that lifting sanctions on Sudan will cause it to lose interest in continued progress or alternatively, that the U.S. will lose key leverage points, neither is likely. Critical actors, particularly those in Congress, are committed to ensuring that Sudan continues on its path to improving the lives of the Sudanese people.

"Now that we have a final decision, it is vital that our future engagement emphasize human rights and respect for religious freedoms. In addition, we should look toward partnering with Sudan and the international community to create sustainable peace in the country.

"The first US sanctions were imposed on Sudan more than 20 years ago.  Since then, the country has come a long way from state-sponsorship of terrorism and internal conflicts such as atrocities and genocide perpetrated by the government.  Ultimately, the lifting of sanctions is a positive development for the Sudanese people and will enable a constructive dialogue to advance mutual security and economic interests in the region.  Given that 46.5 percent of Sudan’s population lives below the poverty line, with sanctions relief Sudan can better develop its economic engines, including agriculture, which employs 80 percent of the workforce.  Furthermore, the removal of sanctions will also significantly improve the business environment, encourage foreign investment and make conducting business in the country easier."

Senators Push for Increased Sanctions on North Korea

Source: Senator Ben Sasse (R-NE)

Washington, D.C. - August 31, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- As North Korea continues its unacceptable provocations, U.S. Senators Ben Sasse (R-NE) and Joe Donnelly (D-IN) continue to push for increased sanctions on both North Korea and China designed to crack down on the rogue regime’s weapons program. Sasse and Donnelly sent a letter today to Senate Banking Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Ranking Member Sherrod Brown (D-OH) outlining recent findings on North Korean sanctions and outlining key questions for future full committee hearings. Sasse and Donnelly serve as Ranking Member and Chairman of the Senate Banking Subcommittee on National Security and International Trade and Finance.

Building on a May subcommittee hearing, Sasse and Donnelly encouraged the Banking Committee to push the Administration on its options to expand sanctions and highlight the additional tools available to punish North Korea and those who assist in their illegal activity.

Sasse and Donnelly said in their letter, in part, “As you plan the Banking Committee’s schedule for the coming months, we welcome your consideration of a full committee hearing on sanctions against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)…On May 10, 2017, the Banking Subcommittee on National Security and International Trade and Finance held a hearing on ‘Secondary Sanctions against Chinese Institutions: Assessing Their Utility for Constraining North Korea.’

“…there is a strong consensus that the level of pressure necessary to get the Kim regime to the table, let alone reach an agreement, will be extraordinarily high and must be coupled with a full court diplomatic effort with our allies and with China directly to persuade China to engage more directly with the DPRK. It is our shared belief that the current multilateral sanctions may be insufficient to achieve this goal, even after the progress made at the United Nations in August. Continued U.S. engagement and leadership will therefore be critical in the months ahead and must include a comprehensive effort to ensure rigorous enforcement of all U.S. and multilateral sanctions.

“…Finally, and most importantly, our witnesses stressed that increasing sanctions pressure on the DPRK to the level necessary to force negotiations requires a deliberate, forceful, and coordinated diplomatic effort by the United States coupled with tough sanctions enforcement.”

Venezuala

Trump has imposed sanctions on Venezuela.

President Trump signed the Executive Order on August 24, with the sanctions going into effect at a minute after midnight this morning. Vice President Pence unveiled the sanctions on a call with Congressional foreign policy leaders today.

Starting under now-deceased strongman Hugo Chávez and accelerating under Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela has seen a precipitous drop in living standards while the left-wing dictatorship has consolidated power.

Further statements and information from the newsmakers are as follows (Keep checking back for updates on this page):

House Representative Mark Pocan (D-WI, 2nd):

“With its announcement of the most extensive U.S. financial sanctions against Venezuela to date, the Trump Administration is once again pursuing aggressive unilateral measures abroad in an attempt to distract attention away from the sustained outrage over the president’s disgraceful antics at home–all while designing his sanctions in accordance with the interests of oil-industry lobbyists.

“While we remain deeply concerned over President Maduro’s efforts to supersede Venezuela’s duly elected National Assembly, these unilateral sanctions will only further complicate efforts to achieve a peaceful solution to the country’s political crisis and threaten to create greater economic hardship for ordinary Venezuelans. As we and other progressive lawmakers noted last month in a letter to Secretary Tillerson, U.S. economic sanctions are overwhelmingly rejected by Venezuelans and only undermine dialogue by strengthening the hand of hardliners on both sides of the political divide while weakening the voices of moderation. By applying financial sanctions to Venezuela, President Trump is threatening the country’s ability to access foreign currency, which is desperately needed to alleviate widespread shortages of food, medicine and basic goods.

“Prior to ratcheting up hostilities through these latest sanctions, President Trump absurdly suggested a ‘military option’ in Venezuela, publicly betraying his campaign promise to avoid regime-change efforts that have undermined U.S. security interests. Such a reckless maneuver, absent Congressional authorization and UN Security Council approval, would be clearly unconstitutional and illegal. A sensible approach to Venezuela’s crisis is obvious: the United States needs to work with other governments in the region to support mediation and negotiations that involve respected international actors such as the Vatican and the United Nations.”

House Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL, 27th):

“This morning in a conference call with other Members, I spoke with Vice-President Pence and I thanked him and the White House for its continued leadership on national security matters, especially within the Western Hemisphere. Today’s announcement by the White House is a direct response to those willing to aid the regime as these latest sanctions will prohibit financial transactions and any dealings in new debt and bonds of the Maduro regime and its corrupt state-owned entity, PDVSA.

“In June, I strongly condemned Goldman Sachs for providing an infusion of financial relief to the Maduro regime. Preventing Maduro and his cronies access to the U.S. financial systems is vital and barring Citgo from transferring any profits to PDVSA reaffirms America’s commitment to the Venezuelan people in their continued push for freedom and democracy.”

House Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ, 4th):

“We support the Venezuelan people as they work towards reestablishing their rights that have been taken by the red regime that Dictator Nicolás Maduro has imposed on the country,” said Smith, who chairs the House panel on global human rights. “Venezuela, a nation blessed with natural resources, has been reduced to penury, its people on the brink of starvation, by a dictator who jails his opposition, stifles the media and attacks religious leaders.

“President Trump's decisive Executive Order imposes financial repercussions on the Maduro dictatorship for its oppression. It will stop the underwriting of the regime and help bring about an end to this nightmare for the Venezuelan people.”

House Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL, 25th):

“I commend President Trump for once again imposing tough sanctions against the Maduro regime. Today’s announced sanctions target Venezuela’s state-run oil company PDVSA, and prohibit transactions that finance the regime’s escalating debt and corruption.

Clearly the Trump administration is listening to opposition leaders in Venezuela, the U.S. Congress, and members of the Venezuelan community in South Florida and has taken a firm stand to protect American values and interests in our hemisphere. When Vice President Mike Pence was in Miami this week, he asserted that the Trump administration was committed to promoting democracy and stated, “our resolve is unwavering; our conviction is clear.”

I commend the Trump Administration’s principled clarity on opposing tyranny in our hemisphere. As the Maduro regime continues its relentless assaults on democracy and subversion of representative democracy with its sham “Constituent Assembly,” the United States stands in firm solidarity with the Venezuelan people.

House Representative Jeff Duncan (R-SC, 3rd):

“For far too long, the Maduro regime has exploited the U.S. financial system to line its pockets and oppress its people. I applaud the Trump Administration’s actions to cut off a critical source of financing for the corrupt, illegitimate dictatorship. No government should be able to plunder and suppress its people, destroy all vestiges of democracy, and enable increasing criminal activities in the region without democratic countries responding forcefully.

“President Trump continues to demonstrate leadership on Venezuela, and I stand firmly with his Administration in urging the Maduro government to end the illegitimate Constituent Assembly, reinstate the democratically-elected National Assembly, hold free, fair elections, release U.S. citizens and political prisoners, and allow humanitarian assistance. I also urge our friends of democracy in Latin America and Europe to take similar measures to stand united behind the Venezuelan people.”

House Representative Eliot Engel (D-NY, 16th)

“No one can deny that Venezuela is now a full-fledged dictatorship. I strongly support U.S. efforts to hold Nicolás Maduro and his cronies accountable while ensuring that the Venezuelan people—who have already suffered for far too long—are not forced to bear any further pain. I look forward to receiving a full analysis from the Trump Administration on the impact that these new sanctions will have on both the Maduro regime and the Venezuelan people. As the sanctions are implemented, President Trump must ensure that they have the appropriate impact and adjust them as necessary.

“At the same time, the United States and our partners must continue to push for action in multilateral fora to address the crisis in Venezuela. In particular, we must increase efforts at the United Nations to address both the country’s political crisis and the Venezuelan people’s lack of access to food and medicine.

“I have a long record in Congress of supporting strong actions against rogue regimes and will continue to do so.”

About North Korea

Washington, D.C. - August 28, 2017 (The Ponder News) --The Trump Administration announced new sanctions on 16 Russian and Chinese entities which provide support to North Korea’s brutal regime.

This action expands on Congressman Robert Pittenger’s recent legislation to crack down on international businesses that support North Korean cyberattacks.

Robert Pittenger (R-NC, 9th) stated:

“For far too long, China has enabled North Korea to pursue nuclear development, cyber warfare, global provocation, and egregious human rights violations. Russia has also not been a good faith partner on these issues. The status quo is no longer acceptable,” said Congressman Pittenger. “President Trump’s decisive action, coupled with my legislation to further punish businesses which support North Korean cyberattacks, sends a strong message. If you support the brutal North Korean regime, there will be a punitive response from the United States.”

Congressman Pittenger’s amendment to the FY2018 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 2810):

Directs the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to create a list of telecom firms who provide essential services or who have been otherwise complicit in enabling North Korean cyberattacks.

Prohibits the Department of Defense from doing business with these firms.

Provides President Trump with a national security waiver to bypass this amendment on a case-by-case basis.

Congressman Pittenger’s amendment was unanimously approved by the U.S. House of Representatives on July 14th.

More statements and information on this subject from the Newsmakers can be found below (keep checking back for updates)

Schiff-Wilson Bill Restricting Tourist Travel to North Korea Passes Committee

The following statement was issued by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General condemns the latest launch of a ballistic missile by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in violation of Security Council resolutions. The launch undermines regional security and stability and efforts to create space for dialogue.

The Secretary-General calls on the Government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to fully comply with its international obligations and work towards reopening communication channels.

The Secretary-General remains in close contact with all parties concerned.

Congresswoman Julia Brownly (D-CA, 26th) issued the following statement regarding the ongoing situation with North Korea:

“I am deeply concerned about the increasing tensions with North Korea. While the threats posed by a nuclear-armed North Korea are real, President Trump’s belligerent and careless tone is making a bad situation much worse, putting American lives and the lives of our allies in South Korea and Japan at risk. Those advising President Trump need to impress upon him the very serious and real-world consequences of his reckless rhetoric.”

Rep. Black Statement on North Korea’s Ballistic Missile Launch

Washington, D.C. - July 31, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Diane Black (R-TN-06) responded to North Korea’s ballistic missile launch with the following statement:

“It is our responsibility in Congress to protect our citizens and hold North Korea accountable for their actions. This latest ballistic missile launch continues North Korea’s alarming escalation of aggressive acts, and we will not tolerate it,” said Congressman Black. “Just this week, the House passed H.R. 3364, the Countering Adversarial Nations Through Sanctions Act, in a bipartisan vote sending the message that continued missile development and nuclear activity by North Korea is unacceptable. I urge President Trump to sign this legislation into law as quickly as possible.”

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.