The U.S. Senate passed this week a measure to codify, strengthen and expand sanctions against the Russian Federation in response to its activities in Ukraine, cyber-attacks, interference in the U.S. Presidential election, and activities in Syria. The measure was added as a new title to legislation that already was under consideration dealing with new sanctions for Iran. The Russia sanctions amendment passed on June 14 by a vote of 97-2. The underlying Iran sanctions bill passed on June 15 by a vote of 100-0.

This Russia sanctions amendment, entitled “Sanctions With Respect to The Russian Federation and Combating Terrorism and Illicit Financing” emerged with extraordinary speed last week. The ease and alacrity with which it was considered and passed are credited to a hardening of Senate views on Russia and a bipartisan desire to “punish” Russia for perceived misbehavior impacting the U.S. and other nations. This included former FBI Director Comey’s strong public affirmation in an open Senate Intelligence Committee hearing that it had been his view as Director of the FBI that Russian interference in the election had been with “purpose… sophistication… and overwhelming technical efforts. It was an active measure campaign driven from the top of that government.”