WASHINGTON—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, this evening made the following statement:

“I'm glad that the House and Senate have agreed on a bipartisan bill imposing tough sanctions on Russia, Iran, and North Korea. The Kremlin interfered in our 2016 elections, Russian forces continue their illegal occupation of Crimea and aggression in eastern Ukraine, and Russia serves as a critical lifeline for the murderous Assad regime in Syria. Yet President Trump has been unwilling to respond seriously, leaving Congress with the urgent responsibility to hold Vladimir Putin accountable. At the same time, ballistic missile programs in North Korea and Iran pose a global threat. The United States needs to send a clear message that such behavior needs to end. I'm grateful to my colleagues of both parties in the House and Senate with whom I worked over the last few weeks to produce this tough sanctions legislation. I predict this bill will easily pass the House on Tuesday, and I hope the Senate will likewise act swiftly to get this legislation to the President's desk.”

# # #