Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Daniel Webster (R-Clermont) released the following statement regarding his vote for H.R. 3364, the Russia, Iran, and North Korea Sanctions Act.

“This sanctions bill achieves three objectives that are vital for our national security and the ongoing fight against terror and those who fund it. These sanctions protect our nation and its interests both here and abroad. By crippling Iranian influence in the Middle East, punishing Russia for its acts of aggression and corruption, and curbing North Korea’s efforts to a nuclear weapons program and constant violations of international codes of human rights, the United States reasserts a position of leadership desperately needed in an unstable world.”

Background on the bill

First, the bill goes after Iran for its support and funding of those involved in Nuclear, guerilla, and cyber warfare in the Middle East. It imposes sanctions on those who contributes to Iran’s ballistic missile program build-up, individuals who participate in the sale or transfer of military equipment to Iran, and imposes sanctions on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and affiliated foreign assets.

Second, the bill strengthens current sanctions on Russia in response to cyber-attacks and improves cooperation between the United States and NATO states in countering acts of Russian aggression. More power is given to the Congress by mandating a congressional review before sanctions are relaxed, suspended, or terminated by the President.

New sanctions are also placed on corrupt actors, those seeking to evade sanctions, involved in serious human rights abuses, and supplying weapons to the Assad regime. Additionally, the bill imposes sanctions on individuals conducting cyber activity on behalf of the Russian government, involved in corrupt privatization practices, or those doing business with Russian intelligence and defense sectors.

And third, this bill expands sanctions to deter North Korea’s nuclear weapons programs, targets those individuals overseas who employ North Korean slave labor, cracks down on North Korean shipping and use of international ports, and requires the administration to determine whether North Korea is a state sponsor of terrorism.

Finally, H.R 3364 amends the North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act to empower the President to impose sanctions on individuals found in direct violation of UN Security Council resolutions regarding North Korea.

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