(MENAFN- NewsBytes)
Defying Trump, US House votes to intensify sanctions on Russia
26 Jul 2017
The US House of Representatives has voted overwhelmingly to impose fresh sanctions on Russia over Moscow's alleged interference in the 2016 US presidential election.
The bill likely dims US President Donald Trump's hopes of improving US-Russia relations.
It still needs to be passed by Senate before being signed by the president.
The White House said it's reviewing the bill.
Bill would make it tougher for Trump to rollback sanctions
Fact
The bill would codify sanctions imposed by Obama. The president won't be able to waive the sanctions unilaterally and will be required to first consult Congress. The bipartisan support for the bill along with this provision indicates the reservations of lawmakers about Trump's pro-Moscow leanings.
What the bill includes
Details
House Speaker Paul Ryan said the proposed sanctions "tightens the screws on our most dangerous adversaries in order to keep Americans safe."
Washington has already sanctioned Russian individuals and companies over Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014.
In December 2016, following reports of the Russian hackings, President Barack Obama expelled 35 diplomats and shut down two of its compounds in America.
Energy-dependent Europe concerned over House vote
Fact
The bill adds further restrictions on doing business with Russian companies, especially in the energy sector. However, this provision has rankled US' European allies who feel they may be penalized for being involved in Russian pipeline projects.
Could Trump veto the House bill?
Trump veto
The president could possibly veto the bill if it's approved by Senate.
However, given the bipartisan support for the bill, a veto would be politically unpopular and fuel suspicion that Trump is close to Russia.
A presidential veto can be bypassed if two-thirds majority in both legislative houses vote to override it.
The White House said Trump is "going to study that legislation."
Russia says sanctions bill is "worrying"
Russia responds
Prior to the House vote, Russian Deputy-Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said it would place a "dangerous mine" under the foundation of US-Russia ties.
He added: "All this is very worrying. We can see no signs that that Russophobe hysteria that has engulfed the entire US Congress is dying down."
A Russian MP said the sanctions "undermine the prospects for the restoration of Russian-American relations."
MENAFN2607201701650000ID1095658825
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.