Us Congress Senate Bill SB451

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/15/23
• Refer: 2/15/23

Caption

DISRUPT Act of 2023 Deterring Iranian Support for Russia in Ukraine and Pre-empting Terrorism Act of 2023

Impact

One significant impact of the DISRUPT Act is the establishment of strict conditions for removing Iranian persons from the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list. These conditions include a certification requirement that confirms the absence of activities supporting Russian military efforts for a minimum period preceding the certification. Such measures highlight an aggressive stance against any financial practices that jeopardize national security and the integrity of international agreements aimed at supporting Ukraine.

Summary

The DISRUPT Act of 2023, formally known as SB451, mandates the imposition of stringent sanctions on Iranian entities that provide support to Russian military operations against Ukraine. The legislation reflects the United States' ongoing response to the aggression exhibited by the Russian Federation and its allies, aiming to curtail any material, tactical, or operational assistance from Iran to Russia. The bill requires the President to enact these sanctions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act within a stipulated timeframe after the legislation passes.

Contention

During the discussions surrounding SB451, contention arose primarily around the potential consequences such sanctions could impose on diplomatic relations, particularly in addressing global terrorism. Critics express concerns that overreaching sanctions may complicate efforts to facilitate peace negotiations and could have unintended consequences on civilian populations in both Iran and Russia. Proponents argue that these measures are critical to deter further aggression and demonstrate a firm commitment to supporting allies like Ukraine against external threats.