27 July 2017, 11:52 GMT
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The US House of Representatives approved by a 419-3 vote on Tuesday a new version of a bill that would impose sweeping sanctions on Russia, Iran and North Korea, and limit President Donald Trump’s ability to lift the restrictions on Moscow. The measures target Russia's defense, intelligence, mining, shipping and railway industries, and restrict dealings with Russian banks and energy companies. The proposed bill also considers Russia's Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project as a threat to Ukraine's and the European Union's energy security.
"The message coming from Congress on bipartisan basis is these are hostile regimes and sanctions are warranted, sanctions are called for," Ryan stated. "We want to make sure that there are tough sanctions, that there are endurable sanctions."
Earlier in the day, France and Germany spoke out against the bill as one that adversely affects European industries while advancing US commercial interests.
According to Senator Mark Warner, the US Senate is expected to pass a bill to slap sanctions on Russia, Iran and North Korea in "short order."
