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By a 419-3 vote, the House approved a bill to that would levy new sanctions on
Russia, Iran and North Korea. It combines new measures targeting Russia for
its interference in the 2016 election, as well as provisions intended to curb
North Koreas nuclear weapons program and Iranian militarism.

Only three libertarian-leaning Republicans Justin Amash of Michigan, Tom


Massie of Kentucky and Jimmy Duncan of Tennessee voted against the bill
in the House.

The bill had been bogged down in controversy in recent weeks over objections
from the Trump administration. The White House has been opposed to a
provision in the bill that requires congressional approval for any attempt by
the president to lift the sanctions on Russia.

An earlier Senate version of the bill passed 98-2, but was only aimed at Russia
and Iran. It did not include the measures against North Korea, which are now
in the House bill. The latest bill must now return to the Senate, where it is
expected to pass easily, before it is sent to Trump.

Despite the White Houses opposition to the bill, it is likely to become law.
Even if Trump decides to veto the legislation, it has already passed both
chambers by veto-proof margins.

In a statement, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said


that while the President supports tough sanctions on North Korea, Iran and
Russia, the White House is reviewing the House legislation and awaits a final
legislative package for the Presidents desk.

The legislation passed the House the same day Trumps son-in-law, Jared
Kushner, spoke to the House intelligence committee about the Trump
campaigns ties to Russia. Russian interference in the 2016 election is the
subject of multiple investigations including one by special counsel Robert
Mueller as well as committees on Capitol Hill, and questions have been
raised in particular about allegations of collusion between the Trump
campaign and Russia.
The White House has vigorously denied the suggestion that there was any
collusion and has repeatedly called the investigations into Russias role in the
election a witch hunt.

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