Congress strikes deal on Russia sanctions, despite Trump objection

By Doug Stanglin, July 22, 2017

House and Senate negotiators brushed aside White House objections Saturday and reached agreement on a broad sanctions bill that will make it more difficult for President Trump to unilaterally ease or end punitive measures against Moscow. The package punishes Russia for meddling in the U.S. presidential elections and for its military aggression in Ukraine and Syria. The White House had objected to a key section of the bill that would mandate a congressional review if Trump attempted to ease or end the sanctions. Under the terms of the bill, Trump would be required to send Congress a report explaining why he wants to suspend or terminate a particular set of sanctions. Lawmakers would then have 30 days to decide whether to allow the move or reject it. The agreement clears the way for passage of the legislation before the August recess, with a vote in the House expected as early as Tuesday.

While it could face a presidential veto, Saturday's bipartisan deal suggests that might trigger a backlash by Republican and Democrats who would be able to override his decision. The agreement resolves difference between House and Senate-passed versions of a broad sanctions bill. The sanctions targeting Russia, however, have drawn the most attention because of Trump's persistent push for warmer relations with President Vladimir Putin, despite U.S. findings by U.S. intelligence agencies of Kremlin interference in the 2016 presidential campaign. "A nearly united Congress is poised to send President Putin a clear message on behalf of the American people and our allies, and we need President Trump to help us deliver that message," said Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland, the top ranking Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee.

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Rogue Valley said:

Congress strikes deal on Russia sanctions, despite Trump objection

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:thumbs:

In light of the continuing revelations of secret Russian contacts between the Trump family, campaign officials and Cabinet members, a "Trump-proof" set of legislative sanctions against Russia is a necessity. Trump himself held an unscheduled rendezvous (with no other American officials present) with Putin at the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany. Trump also revealed classified information to Russian officials in an Oval Office meeting in which only the Russian media was permitted to attend.

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Unitedwestand13 said:

The only question is whether or not trump will veto this bill.

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Rexedgar said:

If vetoed, is it 2/3 of both houses or just 2/3 of the Senate to override?

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Unitedwestand13 said:

I believe it requires 2/3rds of both houses of congress.

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