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Senate approves sanctions on Russia and Iran

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Senate voted Thursday to strengthen sanctions against Iran and Russia and to combat terrorism and illicit financing.

The bill imposes sanctions with respect to Iran in relation to Iran’s ballistic missile program, support for acts of international terrorism, and violations of human rights, and for other purposes.  Added amendments 1) impose sanctions with respect to the Russian Federation and to combat terrorism and illicit financing and 2) reaffirmed the strategic importance of Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty to the member nations of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and its contribution to maintaining stability throughout the world.

Both Republican Iowa Senators, Joni Ernst and Charles Grassley voted in favor of the measure, which passed 98-2. Senators Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, and Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, voted against the bill.

Joni Ernst

“I cannot understate the importance of taking action to curb the continued aggression of Russia and Iran and hold them accountable for their actions,” Ernst said. “The threat Russia poses through their support for the murderous Syrian regime, unconventional warfare efforts in Ukraine, and malicious cyber activity ceases to slow. Additionally, Iran continues its ballistic missile program, human rights abuses, and support for terrorism across the Middle East. The United States must show strength and send a clear message to both Russia and Iran that such nefarious behavior will not be tolerated.”

Bernie Sanders saw potential pitfalls with Iran in voting against the plan.

Bernie Sanders

“I am strongly supportive of the sanctions on Russia included in this bill. It is unacceptable for Russia to interfere in our elections here in the United States, or anywhere around the world. There must be consequences for such actions. I also have deep concerns about the policies and activities of the Iranian government, especially their support for the brutal Assad regime in Syria. I have voted for sanctions on Iran in the past, and I believe sanctions were an important tool for bringing Iran to the negotiating table. But I believe that these new sanctions could endanger the very important nuclear agreement that was signed between the United States, its partners and Iran in 2015. That is not a risk worth taking, particularly at a time of heightened tension between Iran and Saudi Arabia and its allies. I think the United States must play a more even-handed role in the Middle East, and find ways to address not only Iran’s activities, but also Saudi Arabia’s decades-long support for radical extremism.”

The bill now heads to the House of Representatives and may later reach President Donald Trump’s desk.

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