Press Release

Senator Gillibrand Statement on Senate Passage of New Sanctions on Iran and Russia

Jun 15, 2017

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today issued the following statement after the Senate passed new sanctions on Iran and Russia: 

“These new sanctions on Iran and Russia are an important step because of these two countries’ continued dangerous and destabilizing actions around the world. Iran continues to sponsor terrorism in the Middle East and beyond, pursue a ballistic missile program, and violate the human rights of its own citizens and Americans who are detained there. Russia has been relentless in its attacks against democratic institutions and values, including our own elections here in the United States. These sanctions send a clear message that we will not tolerate attacks against our institutions and democracy, nor will we tolerate efforts to sow violence and chaos. Equally important is the message this bill sends to our NATO allies – that this alliance is built on a commitment to each other’s security, and just as NATO came to our defense after 9-11, we will always be there for our NATO allies. I urge my colleagues in the House to pass these sanctions quickly and for President Trump to sign them into law as soon as possible.

In addition to Senator Gillibrand’s vote in favor of these sanctions, as a staunch supporter of the State of Israel, Senator Gillibrand earlier this month cosponsored the Israel Anti-Boycott Act, which would prohibit boycotts of the State of Israel fostered by international organizations. Senator Gillibrand also introduced with Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism Act of 2017, which would empower the State Department anti-Semitism envoy to more effectively fight anti-Semitism around the world.