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Trump Signs New Sanctions Against Russia for Election Meddling

CBN

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WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump signed a bill Wednesday morning to impose a new round of sanctions on Russia.

The legislation, which also targets Iran and North Korea, cites Russia's meddling in the U.S. presidential election as well its military aggression in Ukraine and Syria.

"I favor tough measures to punish and deter bad behavior by the rogue regimes in Tehran and Pyongyang. I also support making clear that America will not tolerate interference in our democratic process, and that we will side with our allies and friends against Russian subversion and destabilization," Trump said in a statement Wednesday.

Both chambers of Congress approved the measure last week, with the House overwhelmingly backing the bill in a 419-3 vote.  The Senate quickly followed suit with a 98-2 vote.

And on Tuesday, Vice President Mike Pence characterized the sanctions as a "further sign of our commitment" to counter Russian aggression.

"The president and our Congress are unified in our message to Russia: A better relationship, the lifting of sanctions will require Russia to reverse the actions that caused the sanctions to be imposed in the first place – and not before," Pence said.

However, Trump called the bill "seriously flawed" as it contains provisions barring him from relaxing or waiving the additional penalties on Russia unless Congress approves.

"The bill remains seriously flawed – particularly because it encroaches on the executive branch's authority to negotiate. Congress could not even negotiate a health care bill after seven years of talking," the president said.  

"By limiting the executive's flexibility, this bill makes it harder for the United States to strike good deals for the American people, and will drive China, Russia, and North Korea much closer together," he warned. "The Framers of our Constitution put foreign affairs in the hands of the president. This bill will prove the wisdom of that choice."

Still, Trump said, "Despite its problems, I am signing this bill for the sake of national unity. It represents the will of the American people to see Russia take steps to improve relations with the United States. We hope there will be cooperation between our two countries on major global issues so that these sanctions will no longer be necessary."

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