Administration of Proliferation Sanctions and Amendment of Executive Order 12851

What it means

This executive order enables the Treasury to impose financial sanctions on countries using chemical or biological weapons. It allows blocking loans from U.S. banks and opposing assistance from international financial institutions to these nations, with exceptions for food purchases.

Expected impact

• Strengthens U.S. ability to respond to chemical/biological weapons proliferation by allowing targeted financial penalties
• Sends a deterrent message to countries considering developing or using such weapons
• Gives the Treasury Department more tools to implement sanctions efficiently against violator nations
• May affect international relations with countries subject to these sanctions