On April 24, 2024, President Biden signed into law a broad national security package which included the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024; Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024; Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024; 21st Century Peace through Strength Act; FEND off Fentanyl Act; and the Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity for Ukrainians Act.
Sanctions
OFAC and State Target Russia’s Military-Industrial Base and Third-Country Support with Additional Sanctions
On May 1, 2024, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the Department of State announced further sanctions targeting Russia’s military-industrial base and chemical and biological weapons programs as well as companies and individuals in third countries that continue to help Russia acquire key inputs for weapons or defense-related production.
New Legislation Extends U.S. Sanctions Enforcement Period to Ten Years
On April 24, 2024, President Biden signed into law a significant amendment to the statute of limitations for violations under U.S. sanctions laws, as part of the national security package (H.R. 815). This change extends the period for enforcement actions from five to ten years, reflecting a more robust approach to national security…
OFAC Again Extends Russia-Related General License No. 8 Regarding Transactions Related to Energy
On April 29, 2024, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued amended Russia-related General License No. 8I, once again extending the authorization to conduct transactions involving Vnesheconombank, Bank Financial Corporation Otkritie, Sovcombank, Sberbank, VTB Bank, Alfa-Bank, Rosbank, Bank Zenit, Bank Saint-Petersburg, and the Central Bank of Russia that are…
BIS and OFAC Expand Export Controls and Sanctions on Iran for Aggression Toward Israel and Military Support for Russia
On April 18, 2024, the Departments of Commerce and the Treasury announced combined export control restrictions and economic sanctions against Iran for its attack on Israel on April 13, 2024. These actions are intended “to degrade and disrupt key aspects of Iran’s malign activity, including its UAV [Unmanned Aerial Vehicles] program and the revenue the…
OFAC Rescinds Authorization for Certain Oil and Gas Transactions Involving Venezuela and Issues Wind-Down License
On April 17, 2024, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued Venezuela-related General License 44A, “Authorizing the Wind Down of Transactions Related to Oil or Gas Sector Operations in Venezuela.” This license replaces General License (GL) 44 that was issued in October 2023 allowing for certain activities in this…
OFAC Again Extends Authorizations Under Russia General License 13
On April 12, 2024, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) again extended previous Russia-related General License (GL) 13 by issuing a revised GL 13I, “Authorizing Certain Administrative Transactions Prohibited by Directive 4 under Executive Order 14024,” which states that U.S. persons are authorized to pay taxes, fees, or import…
OFAC Again Extends Venezuela General License Delaying PdVSA 2020 8.5% Bond-Related Authorizations
On April 15, 2024, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued General License (GL) 5O, “Authorizing Certain Transactions Related to the Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. 2020 8.5 Percent Bond on or After August 13, 2024,” which continues to delay U.S. persons’ ability to enforce bondholder rights to the CITGO…
BIS Amends EAR to Expand Export Controls on OFAC SDN-Listed Persons
On March 20, 2024, the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) issued a final rule implementing restrictions under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) on persons who have been designated and placed on the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List maintained by the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Under Secretary…
USTR Releases President Biden’s 2024 Trade Policy Agenda and 2023 Annual Report
On March 1, 2024, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) published President Biden’s 2024 Trade Policy Agenda and 2023 Annual Report. This year’s agenda aims to further the cause of worker-centered trade policy, enhance the resilience of supply chains, and promote fair and sustainable trade practices. Below is a summary of…

