With only two dissenting voters, Sens. Rand Paul (R – KY) and Mike Lee (R – UT), the Senate today passed the Crapo Amendment, which imposes a series of new sanctions on Russia over what it claims is “aggressive behavior.” The legislation also prevents the president from removing any sanctions from Russia without prior Congressional authorization.
The amendment was tacked on to the Countering Iran’s Destabilizing Activities Act of 2017, the latest in a long series of anti-Iran legislation which always passes with little opposition. The Russia amendment was broadly supported as well, with the vote 97-2 in favor, and only one abstention.
The main focus of the Russia sanctions will be its mining industry and metal production, with some sanctions also targeting foreign investors in the Russian energy market. Russia is among the world’s largest energy producers and exporters, providing large portions of the natural gas for Europe.
Debate on the amendment included not only the usual scaremongering about the threat of Russia, but also consistent attacks on President Trump for having willingly met with top Russian officials since taking office, with Sen. Sherrod Brown (D – OH) saying that allowing Russian state media at such meetings amounted to “hiding from the American people.”
Only the most vile rise to the top in the US.
97-2. I thought this was a democrat thing. If this was an election year, would Rand Paul be looking good or what?
97 people need to have their head examined.
Destructively.
So if the House passes and Trump vetoes, this is enough to override the veto.
Your Representatives are RE-presenting your wishes…
“Aggressive behavior” translated: Russia refuses to turn itself over to the Anglo-Zionist Empire for looting and vassalage.
Exactly. When these jackals in our establishment say aggressive behavior what they really mean is they do not bend to their will.
Nice to see the isolationists at it again. Good job u idiot folks in Congress.
97 morons in the Senate.
97 bribed morons.
Is there no end to this rabbit hole?
Since the “US Senate” votes 100-0 for Israel every time, this is no surprise.
Puppets of the Israel Lobby