Foreign Policy

Russia's ban, which takes effect today, is seen as a reaction to congressional passage of the so-called Magnitsky Act.

The House passed a resolution Monday that calls on Egypt to return two boys who were taken by their mother, despite a Massachusetts court ruling that said they belong in the custody of their father.

Members approved H.Res. 193 by a voice vote, after a debate in which members warned that failing to return the two boys would strain the relationship between the U.S. government and the new government in Egypt.

The Senate on Friday rejected two amendments from Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), which he said would help reduce spending in a Hurricane Sandy supplemental bill.

The Senate has been working on H.R. 1, a vehicle to provide $60.4 billion to Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts, but some conservatives have said the bill has unnecessary spending measures, during a time when lawmakers are trying to make spending cuts.

The Senate passed an amendment Friday that would allow the Department of State to transfer $1 billion of already appropriated funds to increase security at U.S. embassies and other overseas posts.

The amendment was attached to the Hurricane Sandy emergency-spending measure, and a vote on final passage of that bill is expected later Friday. The House would also have to pass the same version of a recovery package in order for the president to sign the amendment into law.

The Senate passed a resolution Friday before leaving for the Christmas holiday that would encourage European countries to designate Hezbollah as a terrorist organization. 

S. Res. 613, urges the European Union to designate Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, impose sanctions and tells President Obama to provide information about Hezbollah to the European allies of the United States.

The House voted Tuesday to require the State Department to come up with a plan for thwarting Iran's activities in the Western Hemisphere, which many say pose an increasing threaten to U.S. interests.

Members passed H.R. 3783, the Countering Iran in the Western Hemisphere Act, by an overwhelming 386-6 vote. Only five Republicans and one Democrat voted against the bill, which needed and easily got a two-thirds majority vote.

The House as early as Wednesday will approve a bill requiring the government to take steps aimed at thwarting Iran's interests in the Western Hemisphere, including by ensuring Iran cannot disrupt or influence energy supplies.

Members will consider H.R. 3783, the Countering Iran in the Western Hemisphere Act, by the middle of the week. The bill will be the latest congressional action against Iran, which has been the target of several other sanctions-related bills in the 112th Congress.

The Senate passed a bill before adjourning Wednesday evening that would make it U.S. policy to counter Iran's “growing hostile presence in the Western Hemisphere.”

Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) questioned why President Obama hasn’t consulted with Congress about a trade deal in the works with Tajikistan.

Hatch said Tajikistan is planning to make a bid for membership to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and that the administration’s trade representative has been talking with the country for the past five weeks.

Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) called for the immediate release of a former U.S. Marine being held in a Mexican prison.

Nelson said Florida resident Johnny Hammar and his friend were trying to take a surfing trip when they were arrested after crossing the border. He said Hammar checked with U.S. customs to see if he was allowed to bring his grandfather’s shotgun along in his camper. When he showed it to Mexican border officials he and his companion were arrested.