Barr Votes to Strengthen Sanctions on Russia, Iran and North Korea

House passes legislation to increase U.S. economic and political pressure on three adversaries.

July 25, 2017

Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) today voted in favor for H.R. 3364, the Russia, Iran and North Korea Sanctions Act, legislation that will increase U.S. economic and political pressure on these three American adversaries.  Congressman Barr serves as the Chairman of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Monetary Policy and Trade which has jurisdiction over the Treasury Department’s implementation of these sanctions.

“The federal government’s first and primary responsibility is the safety and security of the American people,” said Congressman Barr.  “These three nations have continually challenged American interests and it is imperative, now more than ever, that we are proactive in our response.  The Russia, Iran and North Korea Sanctions Act will put increased pressure on these belligerent actors who threaten their neighbors and the United States while participating in cyber crimes, illicit missile and nuclear programs, and crimes against humanity.”

H.R. 3364 will place new sanctions on Russians supplying weapons to the Assad regime, conducting cyber crimes on behalf of the Russian government, or those conducting business with Russian intelligence and defense sectors. 

This legislation will also impose sanctions on Iran’s ongoing human rights abuses, any individual involved with the regime’s ballistic missile program, or those involved with the sale or transfer of military equipment to Iran. 

Even further, the bill will increase sanctions to deter North Korea’s nuclear weapons program and condemn North Korea’s illicit use of international ports.

H.R. 3364 contains provisions similar to S. 722, the Countering Iran’s Destabilizing Activities Act, which passed the Senate by a vote of 98 to 2 on June 15, 2017.  President Trump has indicated he will sign the bill.