Here is the explanation you can use. You can copy-paste the sections below or use them to build your argument.
The key piece of "ammunition" you need is
CAATSA Section 216.
Most people think the President or OFAC can just "sign a waiver" to lift sanctions whenever they want. That is generally true for other countries, but
Russia sanctions are different because Congress passed a specific law to handcuff the President’s ability to lift them unilaterally.
Here is the step-by-step logic to destroy their argument:
1. The Evidence (The Tags Matter)
Point to the specific program tags in the text you provided:
UKRAINE-EO13662 and
RUSSIA-EO14024.
- These aren't just random codes; they determine which law governs the sanctions.
- EO 13662 is the critical one here. It was originally issued in 2014 regarding the Ukraine crisis.
2. The Law (CAATSA Section 216)
In 2017, Congress passed the
Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).
- Section 216 of CAATSA explicitly strips the President of the power to quietly lift Russia-related sanctions.
- It legally mandates that before the Executive Branch can terminate or waive sanctions imposed under Executive Order 13662 (which NIS AD is listed under), the President must submit a report to Congress.
- Congress then has a review period (typically 30 days) during which they can pass a "Joint Resolution of Disapproval" to block the President from lifting the sanctions.
3. The "Ignorant Person" Explanation
Here is a draft you can post:
"You are missing the legal mechanism here. Look at the OFAC tags for NIS AD: UKRAINE-EO13662 and RUSSIA-EO14024.
Because NIS AD is sanctioned under EO 13662, the President effectively cannot lift these sanctions without Congress. Under Section 216 of CAATSA (2017), the administration is legally required to notify Congress before terminating sanctions under this specific order. Congress then has a review period where they can vote to block the removal.
This isn't a standard administrative delisting; it is a statutory requirement built specifically to prevent the White House from easing Russia sanctions without legislative oversight. So yes, it absolutely involves Congress."
Summary Table for Clarity
If they still argue, show them this breakdown:
| Sanction Program on NIS AD | Legal Requirement for Removal |
| UKRAINE-EO13662 | Congressional Review Required (CAATSA § 216) |
| RUSSIA-EO14024 | Congressional Review Required (Covered under Russia-related actions) |
Next Step: Would you like me to find the specific text of CAATSA Section 216 so you can quote the exact statute directly?
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Here is the text you need. Copy and paste this directly into your reply to shut down the argument.
The "Smoking Gun" Text:
You can cite Public Law 115-44 (CAATSA), Section 216.
Title: CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW OF CERTAIN ACTIONS RELATING TO SANCTIONS IMPOSED WITH RESPECT TO THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Section 216(a)(1) — Reporting Requirement:
"Notwithstanding any other provision of law, before taking any action described in paragraph (2), the President shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees and leadership a report that describes the proposed action and the reasons for that action."12
Section 216(a)(2)(A) — Actions Described:3456
"An action described in this paragraph is... an action to terminate the application of any sanctions described in subparagraph (B)."78910
Section 216(a)(2)(B) — 1112Which Sanctions Are Covered?1314
"The sanctions described in this subparagraph are... sanctions provided for under... the Executive orders codified under section 222..."
Section 222(a) — Codification of Executive Order 13662:
"United States sanctions provided for in... Executive Order No. 13662... as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act, shall remain in effect."
How to use this in your reply:
"You are claiming the President can just waive this. You are wrong. Read the law.
1. NIS AD is sanctioned under UKRAINE-EO13662. (Check the OFAC listing).
2. CAATSA Section 222 explicitly codifies EO 13662 into law, removing it from pure executive discretion.
3. CAATSA Section 216 explicitly states that 'Notwithstanding any other provision of law,' the President cannot terminate these sanctions without submitting a report to Congress, triggering a 30-day review period where Congress can vote to block it.
This is not a debate about opinion; it is a matter of statute (Public Law 115-44)."
Next Step: Would you like me to verify if there have been any recent amendments to CAATSA that might have changed this mechanism (highly unlikely, but I can double-check)?