Key facts
- U.S. senators reached an agreement with the Trump administration on a Russia sanctions bill.
- The legislation also includes sanctions on Iran and North Korea.
- The White House indicated President Trump is open to signing the bill.
- The bill requires congressional approval for any significant changes to U.S. policy toward Russia, including easing sanctions.
- The bill previously passed the Senate but was stalled in the House.
U.S. senators announced on Friday that they had reached an agreement with President Donald Trump's administration to advance legislation that would impose tougher sanctions on Russia. The bill, which also targets Iran and North Korea, has garnered bipartisan support and could potentially lead to significant tariff increases on India.
The White House indicated that President Trump is open to signing the bill, with a spokesperson stating the administration supports its current direction. The evolving stance of the administration was influenced by changes made to the legislation, including the addition of sanctions against North Korea.
Under the proposed bill, any significant alterations to U.S. policy toward Russia, such as easing sanctions or returning diplomatic properties, would require the president to submit a report to Congress. Lawmakers would then have at least 30 days to review and vote on these proposed changes. This provision aims to limit the president's unilateral ability to lift sanctions on Moscow.
The legislation, previously known as the Countering Iran's Destabilizing Activities Act, had passed the Senate but faced delays in the House of Representatives due to disagreements over including sanctions on North Korea. Senators from both parties expressed confidence that the bill would pass with broad bipartisan backing.