To strike the provision relating to duties on countries that purchase Russian-origin crude oil or natural gas or facilitate sanctions evasion.

This amendment replaces sections 113 through 117 of a previous amendment to bill H.R. 5334. Its purpose is to establish specific rules regarding sanctions, waivers, and the process for terminating those sanctions.

Key Changes and Additions

• Exceptions to Sanctions: It lists several areas where sanctions do not apply, including:

  • Humanitarian aid, food, medicine, and medical devices.
  • Intelligence and law enforcement activities.
  • Obligations to the United Nations and the Convention on Consular Relations.
  • Civilian nuclear cooperation agreements and certain imports of low-enriched uranium or medical isotopes.
  • Official U.S. Government and United Nations business.
  • Non-Russian oil that passes through Russian territory.
  • Existing general licenses from the Department of the Treasury.
  • A 270-day window for entities to wind down or divest operations in the Russian Federation.
  • Provisions for the safety of vessel crews and the protection of human life or the environment.
  • NASA activities, specifically regarding space launches for NASA or non-Department of Defense customers.

• Presidential Authority: The President is given the power to waive sanctions or terminate them. However, this requires:

  • Submitting a written certification and report to Congress stating the action is in the national interest.
  • For terminating sanctions on Russia, the President must certify that the Russian Federation has signed a peace agreement accepted by the Government of Ukraine and stopped all military hostilities and subversion efforts.

• Congressional Oversight: It creates a system for Congress to hold the President accountable through a joint resolution of disapproval. If the President moves to terminate a sanction, Congress has a specific review period (usually 30 days, or 60 days during certain summer dates) to vote against that termination.

• Implementation and Penalties: The amendment authorizes the use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to implement these sections and applies the associated penalties for any violations.