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White House/Congress Showdown over New Russia Sanctions

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WASHINGTON – Republicans in the House approved a fresh round of sanctions on Russia, a move that had put President Donald Trump at odds with members of his own party.

The bill aims to punish Moscow with financial penalties for interfering in the 2016 presidential election. It also is a response to Russian military action in Ukraine and Syria.

The White House has signaled the president will sign the legislation even though it would limit the administration's ability to improve relations with Moscow. The sanctions package also includes penalties for North Korea and Iran.

Some Trump administration officials objected to a provision that would allow Congress the power to veto the president if Mr. Trump tried to ease or lift sanctions on Russia. They argue that it would impede on his executive authority.

"Russian behavior has been atrocious," said Rep. Charlie Dent, R-Pa. "They deserve these enhanced sanctions. Relations with Russia will improve when Russian behavior changes and they start to fall back into the family of nations."

The measure won an overwhelming majority, 419-3, and is expected to pass in the Senate chamber as well.

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About The Author

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John
Jessup

John Jessup serves as the main news anchor for CBN, based at the network's news bureau in Washington, D.C. He joined CBN News in September 2003, starting as a national correspondent and then covering the Pentagon and Capitol Hill. His work in broadcast news has earned him several awards in reporting, producing, and coordinating election coverage. While at CBN, John has reported from several places, including Moore, Oklahoma, after the historic EF5 tornado and parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas devastated by Hurricane Katrina. He also traveled to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, during the height