WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement Tuesday regarding the House passage of legislation [H.R. 3364] increasing sanctions on Russia, Iran and North Korea, while allowing Congress new power to block the easing of those sanctions by executive action:

“Restoring global stability where peace and liberty can flourish is predicated on American leadership. Both abroad and at home, our nation and its leaders must speak with one voice when opposing those who wish to do us harm or seek to delegitimize the shared values of sovereignty, human rights and the rule of law. These sanctions are vital to sending that message.”

Fitzpatrick is a former FBI Supervisory Special Agent who served in Kiev, Ukraine and has been an outspoken advocate for the people of Eastern Europe in the face of Russian aggression and specifically urged against sanctions relief for Russia until it meets the terms Minsk Agreement. Additionally, he has pushed for increased sanctions against North Korea and a review of the Iran nuclear agreement which emboldened Tehran.