06.15.17

Hoeven: Senate Passes Legislation Strengthening Sanctions on Iran, Russia

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today released the following statement after the U.S. Senate passed legislation placing additional sanctions on Iran and Russia.

“This legislation increases sanctions on Iran and Russia, which is in our national interest, but also important for our allies. I believe these sanctions can be effective in deterring Russian aggression, as well as Iran’s support for terrorism,” said Hoeven.

The legislation imposes additional Russian sanctions, including:

·        Restrictions on transactions with Russian individuals and entities linked to human rights abuses, arms sales to Syria or cyberattacks conducted on behalf of the Russian government.

·        Requires congressional permission to relax current sanctions

·        Authorizes the imposition of broad new sanctions on economic sectors in Russia including mining, metals, shipping and railways.

·        Authorizes assistance to democratic institutions that have been targeted by cyberattacks, propaganda and misinformation campaigns.           

The legislation includes several provisions that strengthen U.S. policy on Iran. The bill: 

·        Requires the President to develop a regional strategy for countering Iranian threats in the Middle East and North Africa

·        Requires the President to block transactions of anyone who contributes to Iran’s ballistic missile program and requires a regular report on any contributions

·        Imposes terrorism related sanctions on the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps

·        Authorizes new sanctions on persons violating human rights in Iran

·        Imposes sanctions on anyone attempting to violate existing arms embargos on Iran 

Hoeven has supported strong sanctions to prevent Russian aggression and stop Iran from funding terrorism. In December, the senator voted to extend sanctions on Iran’s energy sector through 2026. These sanctions are designed to penalize Iran for sponsoring terrorism and make it difficult for Iran to obtain technology that could be used to develop or proliferate weapons of mass destruction. Also, Hoeven and a bipartisan majority of senators voted against the Obama Administration’s nuclear agreement with the Iranian government which lifted several financial sanctions on Iran.

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