This is exactly where the sanction notion fails. Hypocritically, sanctions still allow the feeding and medical care of the enemy. If the sanction was to really be effective, depriving food and medicine would hit a country's most vulnerable area. But farm groups such as the U.S. Grains Council or U.S. Wheat Associates can donate only so much. Foreign export of grain is crucial to American farmers.
Trade allows for increased productivity and income.
It provides jobs. It opens doors for democracy. It allows for a higher standard of living. Under the Commerce Clause, the Constitution allows Congress to regulate commerce with foreign nations. What congress should do is get rid of our tariffs and other barriers to the free flow of goods and services into this country immediately.