Nearly Two Months Later, Trump Has Yet to Enforce Law Imposing New Sanctions on Russia

Senators Urging Administration to Act

Donald Trump has yet to enforce the “Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act,” signed into law nearly two months ago.

The bill passed in Congress overwhelmingly, with the vote in the House 419-3, and in the Senate 98-2. As NCRM reported in August, five days after the president received the bill imposing additional sanctions on Russia, Iran and North Korea, he begrudgingly signed it. With his signature, however, he added a “statement raising red flags.” 

The statement, Bloomberg News reported at the time, said that the administration would carry out the law “but with reservations about its impact and the constitutionality of some provisions.”

Specifically, Trump questioned its constitutionality, and noted that he “built a truly great company worth many billions of dollars.” He further asserted “that is a big part of the reason I was elected.  As President, I can make far better deals with foreign countries than Congress.”

Now, Reuters is reporting, Trump has yet to enforce it, citing a letter seen by the outlet composed by Senators John McCain and Ben Cardin. 

“The law imposed stiff new sanctions on Russia, Iran and North Korea over issues including Russia’s efforts to interfere in the 2016 U.S. election, which Russia denies,” Reuters reported, “as well as Iran’s ballistic missiles program and North Korea’s nuclear weapons development.” 

The letter sent to the Trump administration reportedly advised that “Congress’ swift and united action, and [Donald Trump’s] signature, sent a strong message to our allies and adversaries alike, and particularly to those such as Russia, who have sought to undermine our democracy.” 

“Now, as critical deadlines are approaching,” it continued, “it is imperative that [the Trump administration] implement the law to its fullest extent to uphold and protect American interests.”

Reuters further reported that the letter cited the October 1st deadline for the administration to “issue ‘regulations or other guidance’ to identify anyone who is operating on behalf of the Russian defense and intelligence sectors for potential sanctions.”

The White House did not respond to the outlet’s request for comment, but late Friday, issued a presidential memorandum “taking the first step toward implementation.”

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