If enacted, the bill would empower the President to enforce a range of sanctions, including property blocking, financial transaction prohibitions, and barring the entry of certain individuals into the U.S. These measures are intended to deter Chinese entities from engaging in practices that undermine U.S. and allied efforts to penalize Russia for its aggression. The legislation reflects a growing concern within the U.S. government regarding the entwined interests of China and Russia and their implications for global security and international law.
Summary
House Bill 1368, titled the 'Deter PRC Support to the Russian War Effort Act', was introduced with the goal of imposing sanctions on the People's Republic of China (PRC) in relation to its support for Russia during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The bill specifies sanctions against individuals and entities within China that are found to be providing material support or facilitating evasion of existing United States sanctions against Russia. This action is largely viewed as a response to China's increasing relationship with Russia, particularly in light of last year's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces.
Contention
However, the bill faces potential contention, particularly related to its enforcement and the diplomatic implications of increased sanctions on China. Critics of the bill may argue that it could escalate tensions further, complicating U.S.-China relations at a time when collaborative diplomatic efforts are essential. Additionally, there might be concerns from businesses regarding the negative impact of such sanctions on trade and investment opportunities with China, as the U.S. continues to navigate its foreign policy with both assertiveness and caution.
Expressing support for the continued value of arms control agreements and condemning the Russian Federation's purported suspension of its participation in the New START Treaty.
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Opposing the Republic of South Africa's hosting of military exercises with the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation, and calling on the Biden administration to conduct a thorough review of the United States-South Africa relationship.
Hamas International Financing Prevention Act This bill imposes sanctions targeting Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and any affiliate or successor groups. The President must periodically report to Congress a list of each foreign person (individual or entity) that knowingly provides significant support or services to or is involved in a significant transaction with a senior member or supporter of the targeted groups. The President must impose two or more sanctions on the named persons. Specifically, the person may be (1) denied credit and services from the Export-Import Bank, (2) barred from purchasing certain controlled defense articles, (3) denied exports of items on the U.S. Munitions List, (4) prevented from receiving exports of certain goods or technology controlled for national security reasons, (5) prohibited from receiving financing of more than $10 million from any U.S. financial institution, or (6) subject to property-blocking restrictions. The President must periodically report to Congress a list of foreign governments that have repeatedly provided material support for the targeted groups' terrorist activities. The President shall bar these governments from receiving for one year (1) U.S. assistance, or (2) exports of controlled munitions. The Department of the Treasury must instruct U.S. leadership of international financial institutions to oppose providing assistance to an identified government for one year. The bill provides for certain exceptions and waivers, such as for transactions that would serve U.S. national interests. The President must report to Congress and periodically provide briefings on other specified topics related to the targeted groups, such as where these groups secure financing and surveillance equipment.