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Hoyer Writes to Treasury Secretary Asking for Delay in Lifting Russia Sanctions

WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) today sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin asking for a delay in the lifting of certain Russia sanctions, now that bipartisan majorities in both the House and Senate have indicated their disapproval of such a move. 

Secretary Mnuchin had announced in December a plan to remove sanctions on companies controlled by Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, a close associate of President Vladimir Putin.  Sanctions were imposed under the bipartisan CAATSA legislation enacted in 2017 in response to Russian efforts to interfere in American elections.  On Thursday, the House voted 362-53 to disapprove of the lifting of sanctions on UC RUSAL and other businesses owned or controlled by Mr. Deripaska, while fifty-seven senators voted on Wednesday to move forward with consideration of an identical Resolution of Disapproval. 

“Many legitimate questions remain, and I lament that Congress has not had an opportunity, beyond one inadequate briefing, to obtain answers to these inquiries,” Leader Hoyer wrote about the proposed deal to lift sanctions in return for Mr. Deripaska giving up his ownership stake in these companies. “In light of the above, I would respectfully ask that you re-notice the settlement and provide Members of Congress with the opportunity to review this settlement thoroughly.  In addition, I would hope the lifting of sanctions would be stayed until Congress has the ability to conduct such a review.”

To read the full text of Leader Hoyer’s letter to the Treasury Secretary, click here or see below. 

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January 17, 2019

The Honorable Steve Mnuchin Secretary of Treasury Department of Treasury 1500 Pennsylvania Ave, NW Washington, DC 20220

Dear Mr. Secretary:   Thank you for speaking with me earlier this week regarding requests by me and my colleagues to delay termination of the sanctions against companies controlled by Oleg Deripaska.  At that time, you did not agree to the request for a delay. However, this afternoon, the House voted overwhelmingly to disapprove of the lifting of sanctions by a vote of 362-53, with 136 Republicans voting in favor.  And, of course, a majority of the Senate also supported moving forward on a Resolution of Disapproval.  In light of that vote, I urge you to reconsider your decision and delay the lifting of these sanctions.   As I stated during debate on the House Floor today, I understand the Treasury Department’s objective to separate Mr. Deripaska from his companies.  I believe it is an honest effort, and I commend the Office of Foreign Assets Control and the Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence for their work.  Nonetheless, I remain highly concerned about this deal and believe there are serious questions that need to be answered.     Today’s vote highlights strong bipartisan Member concerns with this settlement, including:  (1) whether the deal effectively separates Mr. Deripaska from his companies; (2) that Mr. Deripaska would receive massive financial benefit from this deal – including substantial debt relief – which I understand is nearly unprecedented for an entity on the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons list; and (3) whether the United States used its full leverage to seek the most favorable settlement terms.  Many legitimate questions remain, and I lament that Congress has not had an opportunity, beyond one inadequate briefing, to obtain answers to these inquiries.   In light of the above, I would respectfully ask that you re-notice the settlement and provide Members of Congress with the opportunity to review this settlement thoroughly.  In addition, I would hope the lifting of sanctions would be stayed until Congress has the ability to conduct such a review.   With regards I am,

Sincerely yours, 

Steny H. Hoyer Majority Leader

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