US House of Representatives passes Russia sanctions bill by big margin

The Republican-led House of Representatives has decisively approved legislation that hits Russia with additional financial sanctions.

The new penalties are aimed at rebuking Moscow for interfering in the 2016 US presidential election and its military aggression in Ukraine and Syria.

Lawmakers voted 419-3 to pass the bill, which prevents President Donald Trump from waiving the sanctions against Russia without first securing permission from Congress.

The measure now heads to the Senate for action.

The bill could be sent to Mr Trump before Congress begins its August recess.

The legislation also would slap penalties on Iran and North Korea.

Mr Trump has not threatened to reject the bill, but senior administration officials had objected to the requirement for a mandated congressional review should the president attempt to ease or lift the Russia sanctions.

They argued the review infringes on the president’s executive authority.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and other senior administration officials had objected to a mandated congressional review should the president attempt to ease or lift the sanctions on Russia.

They have argued it would infringe on the president’s executive authority and tie his hands as he explores avenues of communication and co-operation between the two former Cold War foes.

But Mr Trump’s persistent overtures to Russia pushed lawmakers to include the sanctions review.

Many lawmakers view Russia as the nation’s top strategic adversary and believe additional sanctions will allow the US to operate from a position of strength in any negotiations with Moscow.