On 30 November 2012, the United States Congress adopted an amendment to the defense budget banning the Pentagon from trading with Rosoboronexport, the state export agency for Russian defense-related products, arguing that its weapons are fueling the repression in Syria .

The Senate must also consider a bill already passed by the House of Representatives, on November 16, imposing economic sanctions against certain Russian officials accused of violating human rights. The legislation is known as the "Magnitsky Act", in reference to the Russian lawyer who died of a heart attack in prison for lack of care.