Citing national security concerns, President Biden issued an executive order (EO) on May 13, 2024, demanding a Chinese-affiliated company “sell or transfer” its ownership interests and any other rights in an approximately 12-acre lot that comes within one mile of Francis E. Warren Air Force Base (“Warren AFB”) in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The divestment order is
OFAC Again Extends Venezuela General License for Limited Maintenance or Wind-Down of Transactions Involving PdVSA and Certain Entities
On May 10, 2024, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued Venezuela-related General License 8N, extending authorization until November 15, 2024 for certain activities previously authorized under General License 8M. General License 8N authorizes the continuation of transactions and activities “ordinarily incident and necessary to the limited maintenance of
U.S. Aid Package for Ukraine, Israel and the Indo-Pacific Incorporates Extensive Sanctions and Export Control Reforms
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.
Further AUKUS Progress: State Publishes Proposed Rule for License Exemptions for Australia and the United Kingdom
On May 1, 2024, the State Department published a proposed rule to amend the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and establish an exemption to the licensing requirement for exports, reexports, transfers, or temporary import of defense articles to or within Australia and the United Kingdom. This proposed rule is intended to promote the goals
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.
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 Revises Export Controls on Firearms Licensing Requirements
On April 30, 2024, the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) issued an interim final rule (IFR) updating the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to enhance the control structure for firearms and related items under BIS’s jurisdiction. This IFR will be effective on May 30, 2024, and public comment will be accepted until
President Biden Signs Law that Includes Provisions to Ban TikTok from the United States
On April 24, 2024, President Joseph Biden signed into law emergency supplemental appropriations (Pub. Law No. 118-50) that, among numerous measures, included the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. This now enacted law is most widely known for its efforts to ban Chinese-owned TikTok and comes after prior attempts to
BIS Establishes New License Exception for Medical Devices Exported to Russia, Belarus and Occupied Areas of Ukraine
On April 26, 2024, the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) published a final rule introducing the new License Exception MED that enables delivery of humanitarian medical devices to the citizens of Russia, Belarus, and the Crimea region of Ukraine, and the occupied regions of Donetsk and Luhansk. This license exception is an effort
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