WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) today voted in favor of bipartisan legislation to strengthen and expand economic sanctions against Iran and Russia. The legislation passed the Senate by a vote of 98-2.

“This legislation is critical to showing that the United States will not tolerate the aggression exhibited by Iran and Russia,” said Roberts. “Economic sanctions are a strong signal that the U.S. will not allow Iran’s support for terrorist activities and its hostile behavior that threatens our national security. In addition, this bill will continue to hold Russia accountable for its continued aggression in Syria, Ukraine and Crimea, and its malicious cyber-attacks that threaten to interfere with U.S. democracy.”

The Countering Iran's Destabilizing Activities Act of 2017 imposes mandatory sanctions on people associated with Iran’s ballistic missile program, applies new sanctions due to Iran’s support for terrorism and prohibited arms transfers. These sanctions strengthen those that imposed last year after Iran’s continued hostility and aggressive behavior contributing to the destabilization the Middle East and to block the Iranian regime from obtaining resources to support terrorism and develop weapons of mass destruction.

The legislation includes an amendment to strengthen and expand current U.S. sanctions against the Russian government in response to Russia’s continued aggression in Syria, its cyber-attacks and interference in U.S. elections, and its violation of the territorial integrity of Ukraine and Crimea. Any changes to these sanctions must be approved by Congress.

This legislation now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives for debate.