The US House of Representatives has voted overwhelmingly to impose new sanctions on Russia, Iran and North Korea, despite President Donald Trump's objections to the legislation.
The legislation aims to punish Russia for its 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine and over conclusions by US intelligence agencies that it interfered in the US election.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump shake hands during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit this month. The Trump administration has objected to parts of the sanction bill. Photo: AFP
The sanctions bill passed 419 votes to three in the House, with support of Republicans and Democrats alike. It must also pass the Senate before it can be sent to the White House for Mr Trump to sign into law or veto.
The Trump administration has objected to a provision in the bill that would oblige the president to obtain congressional approval before easing any sanctions on Moscow.
An earlier version was passed overwhelmingly by the Senate, but there are differences between the two measures that must now be worked out.
The sanctions bill coincided with lawmakers taking steps to show they are willing to push hard as they investigate possible meddling by Russia in the 2016 presidential election and potential collusion by Mr Trump's campaign.
Moscow has denied it worked to influence the election in the Republican candidate's favour, and Mr Trump has denied his campaign colluded.
Uncertain fate in Senate
The measure's fate in the Senate is uncertain. A spokesman for senior Republican John Cornyn said there had been no decision on when the Senate might begin to consider the House bill.
Republican Senator Bob Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, earlier told reporters there were still issues under discussion and any announcement about a deal to move the bill forward "seemed somewhat premature".
The White House said the president had not yet decided whether he would sign the measure, which would potentially hamper Mr Trump's hopes of pursuing improved relations with Moscow.
However, rejecting the bill would carry a risk that his veto could be overridden by lawmakers.
Late on Monday, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said Mr Trump was still studying the bill and considering whether he would support it.
The bill has raised concerns in the European Union, where the legislation could result in fines for companies helping Russia build gas pipelines like the €9.5 billion Nord Stream 2 project.
- Reuters