Rubio, Casey Introduce Bill Targeting Russian, Iranian Efforts to Destabilize Iraq, Syria

Statement

U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Bob Casey (D-PA) today introduced the Preventing Destabilization of Iraq and Syria Act, legislation that mandates sanctions against foreign persons who threaten the stability of Iraq or Syria.

This bill includes elements of H.R. 5732, which passed the House on November 15 after being introduced by House by Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) and Ranking Member Eliot Engel (D-NY).

"Russia and Iran have continued to bolster and prop up the brutal Assad regime in Syria, which has fueled a conflict that now threatens us here at home," said Rubio. "By enabling Assad, the Russians and Iranians are partially responsible for the utter devastation of Aleppo and other rebel-held areas, and the heartbreaking loss of thousands of innocent Syrians. The United States must punish those responsible for undermining efforts to promote peace, stability and development in Syria and Iraq."

"The situation in Syria is growing worse each day, and we have to hold those responsible accountable for war crimes and human rights abuses," said Casey. "This bill sends an important signal to the Assad regime and its Russian and Iranian backers. I look forward to working with Senator Rubio to advance this legislation in the new Congress."

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