US House of Representatives approves new sanctions against Russia, Iran, and North Korea

YemenExtra

The House of Representatives has voted overwhelmingly to pass new sanctions against Russia, Iran,  and North Korea  require congressional approval before US President Donald Trump can ease or remove existing ones.

Lawmakers voted 419-3 to approve legislation seeking to punish Russia over a host of issues, including its alleged meddling in the 2016 presidential election, its support for the Syrian government and alleged support for the rebels in Ukraine, as well as Crimea’s accession to Russia.

If signed into law, the measure will effectively cement the existing sanctions against Russia by requiring the administration to get permission from Congress before lifting or easing the economic penalties against Moscow.

“It empowers Congress to review and disapprove of any sanctions relief,” said Rep. Ed Royce (R-California) on the House floor, ahead of the vote.

The sanctions target a wide array of entities and individuals – including Russia’s energy sector, banks and weapons manufacturers, as well as those whom the US has accused of interfering in the US presidential election through hacking and otherwise.

To reverse each of the sanctions, the administration would have to provide evidence and certify that the conditions that prompted them have been removed.

Having secured well over two-thirds of the legislature’s votes, the bill is effectively veto-proof, meaning lawmakers have enough votes to override any potential veto by the president.