http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/...reasury-department-action-20170202-story.html The Trump administration on Thursday revised recent U.S. sanctions that prevented American companies from exporting some electronic equipment to Russia. It also modified penalties on Iran, expanding a list of medical equipment that needs federal authorization to be sold to Iranian customers. The Treasury Department says U.S. companies can apply to Russia's Federal Security Service, or FSB, to sell encrypted electronic devices. FSB permission or notification is required by Russian law for encrypted devices to be imported, but such contact was barred under penalties the Obama administration imposed after U.S. intelligence agencies concluded that Russia meddled in the 2016 presidential election. The FSB is the main successor to the Soviet-era KGB. I find this act to be completely unacceptable, most especially in this day and age, where state sponsored cyber warfare is wide spread. In addition, Russia is still under investigation by the FBI and other intelligence services for their role in the cyber warfare during the elections. This move by Pres Trump is completely inexcusable on his part, and is another example in a long list of Pres Trump disrespecting our intelligence services. This will in no way make our nation safer, and in fact, will provide tools to Russia for cyber warfare, and what ever black market they wish to peddle this equipment. I have written my Congressman and I suggest all those who agree to do the same.
