WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) released the following statement after supporting passage of a sanctions bill aimed at Iran, North Korea and Russia:

“North Korea, Iran and Russia have all sought to undermine American interests and cause violence throughout the world,” Rep. Mast said. “This comprehensive package targets the Kim regime’s ballistic missile program; Iranian efforts to support terror and develop ballistic missiles; and Russian attempts to interfere with American elections and violate the sovereignty of Ukraine. This bill sends a clear message that we will not tolerate affronts to human dignity or global security.”

The comprehensive package includes a bill, the Korean Interdiction and Modernization of Sanctions Act, which expands sanctions to deter North Korea’s nuclear weapons program, targets those overseas who employ North Korean slave labor, cracks down on North Korean shipping and requires the administration to determine whether North Korea is a state sponsor of terror. The House previously passed this legislation 419 to 1 with Rep. Mast’s support.

Among other sanctions on Russia, the comprehensive package also includes a bill co-sponsored by Rep. Mast, the Russia Sanctions Review Act of 2017, that requires Congressional approval to lift certain sanctions against Russia implemented in response to Russia’s efforts to undermine the 2016 United States election and violate Ukrainian sovereignty.

Finally, the package includes increased sanctions on Iran in response to Iran’s ballistic missile program, as well as the country’s support for human rights abusers and terrorists.

A similar package, not including the North Korean sanctions, previously passed the Senate, 98 to 2. This bill is expected to again pass the Senate, and the White House has indicated that the President will sign it into law.

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