US House opens debate on Graham's 'bone-crushing' sanctions against Russia
Photo: US House of Representatives session (Getty Images)
The US House of Representatives has begun debate on Sen. Lindsey Graham’s sanctions bill targeting Russia and Iran following a procedural vote, according to Alex Raufoglu, Washington correspondent for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
Representative Michael McCaul, who presented the bill, said that the aim of the legislation is to force Russian President Vladimir Putin to come to the negotiating table.
"Evil is on the march, history is calling, and now is the time to act," McCaul said.
He said that the United States must use the tools at its disposal to increase pressure on Russia. Graham’s sanctions bill is intended to be one of those tools.
Background
Today, the document has already passed a procedural vote in the House of Representatives. It was supported by a margin of just three votes.
The bill has now moved to the next stage — debate. Once debate concludes, the House is expected to vote on the document itself.
If the bill is approved without changes, it can be immediately sent to US President Donald Trump for signature.
The document provides for new sanctions against Russia and Iran. Graham's bill is also intended to create additional economic pressure on countries that cooperate with Russia and help it evade restrictions.
The bill would introduce new sanctions against Russia and Iran. Graham’s legislation would also increase economic pressure on countries that cooperate with Russia and help Moscow circumvent existing restrictions.
The US Senate previously approved the "bone-crushing" sanctions targeting Russia and Iran on August 7. Eighty-six senators voted in favor of Graham’s legislation, while 11 voted against it.
For more details on who could be affected by the new restrictions and what consequences they could have, read RBC-Ukraine’s report, "Sweeping blow to Russia and its allies: What the Graham-Blumenthal bill includes."
