The Senate voted Wednesday to impose sanctions against Russia, in response to that country’s attempts to interfere with and influence the 2016 election.
Lawmakers voted 97-2 to attach the sanctions language to a bill sanctioning Iran over its ballistic missile program and sponsorship of terrorism. The measure includes language that would prevent the president from lifting the sanctions without congressional approval.
Sens. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Rand Paul, R-Ky., were the only senators to vote against the amendment.
The vote on the Russia measure came after days of bipartisan negotiations. Democrats insisted the provision include language saying only Congress can lift the sanctions, even though Trump administration officials have said they do not intend to lift them.
“Democrats and Republicans are joining together to warn the president he cannot lift sanctions without our approval,” said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.
The amendment would sanction Russia for a variety of misdeeds, including the nation’s encroachment into Ukraine and aggressive actions in Syria, by codifying punishment put in place under the Obama administration. But the recent Russian cyberhacking into the Democratic National Committee is what primarily pushed Democrats and Republicans seek additional sanctions.
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The overall sanctions legislation could pass as early as Thursday. The House has not indicated when, or if, it will consider the bill.
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#BREAKING: Senate overwhelmingly approves sanctions to punish Russia for meddling in 2016 election 97-2 https://t.co/WyCP4alhvH pic.twitter.com/C3ch1YdMaG
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) June 14, 2017
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