“By limiting the Executive’s flexibility, this bill makes it harder for the United States to strike good deals for the American people, and will drive China, Russia, and North Korea much closer together,” Trump stated after signing the bill into law.
However, the president expressed hope that Washington and Moscow will collaborate on global challenges despite the newly-signed law sanctioning Russia.
“Despite its problems, I am signing this bill for the sake of national unity. It represents the will of the American people to see Russia take steps to improve relations with the United States,” Trump stated. “We hope there will be cooperation between our two countries on major global issues so that these sanctions will no longer be necessary.”
The sanctions target Russia's defense, intelligence, mining, shipping and railway industries and restricts dealings with Russian banks and energy companies.
The law also limits the US president's ability to ease any sanctions on Russia by requiring Congress' approval to lift any restrictions.
For instance, Trump would now need Congress' permission to reverse measures imposed by his predecessor Barack Obama. He would also need lawmakers' approval to return Russian diplomatic properties that were seized under the previous administration.
