WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on the House’s consideration of legislation that would impose new financial sanctions on Russia (all times local):
5:14 p.m.
The Republican-led House has decisively approved legislation that hits Russia with additional financial sanctions.
The new penalties are aimed at rebuking Moscow for interfering in the 2016 presidential election and its military aggression in Ukraine and Syria.
Lawmakers voted 419-3 to pass the bill, which prevents President Donald Trump from waiving the sanctions against Russia without first securing permission from Congress.
The measure now heads to the Senate for action. The bill could be sent to Trump before Congress begins its August recess.
The legislation also would slap penalties on Iran and North Korea.
Trump hasn’t threatened to reject the bill, but senior administration officials had objected to the requirement for a mandated congressional review should the president attempt to ease or lift the Russia sanctions. They argued the review infringes on the president’s executive authority.
___
4:10 a.m.
Strong bipartisan support in Congress for Russia sanctions legislation has all but scuttled the potential for President Donald Trump to reject the bill successfully.
The House is set to vote Tuesday on the sanctions package that aims to punish Moscow for meddling in the presidential election and its military aggression in Ukraine and Syria. The Senate is expected to act soon after, which means the measure could be sent to Trump before Congress takes its August recess.
Both chambers are positioned to approve the legislation by veto-proof margins.
With those numbers looming, the White House has signaled Trump backs additional sanctions. That would mark a significant shift for Trump. He’s repeatedly cast doubt on the conclusion of U.S. intelligence agencies that Russia sought to tip the election in his favor.
COMMENTS
Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.