WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today voted to expand sanctions targeting Iran’s ballistic missile program, systematic human rights abuses, violations of arms embargoes, and state support for terrorism. Also included in the bill is an amendment strengthening sanctions for Russian officials who support cyberattacks against the U.S. and its allies. That provision also mandates that Congress approve any easing of sanctions against the Kremlin.

“The United States needs to respond to Iranian and Russian aggression with strength,” Wicker said. “The past Administration was too passive in its approach, emboldening belligerent regimes that continue to destabilize Europe and the Middle East. This legislation is an important step to hold these two adversaries accountable for their actions and misdeeds.”

The legislation, authored by Senator Bob Corker, R-Tenn., does not affect the current nuclear agreement with Iran – an agreement that Wicker has condemned.

The bill, S.722, was cosponsored by 60 senators, including Wicker. The Senate passed the measure today by a vote of 98-2.