US House Advances New Sanctions Against Russia and Iran Amidst Division

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, the U.S. House of Representatives has approved a procedural measure to advance further sanctions against Russia and Iran. The close vote of 214 in favor to 211 against indicates a significant rift among House members on the matter.

This development follows the U.S. Senate’s approval last August of a new sanctions bill targeting Russia, drafted by Lindsey Graham. That legislation proposed imposing 100% tariffs on the five largest buyers of Russian energy resources and 500% tariffs on goods imported from Russia into the United States.

The bill was subsequently sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Democratic opponents had argued that the proposed legislation would be more detrimental than beneficial to the United States.

Previously, three former Democratic members of the House of Representatives had voiced similar concerns, stating that Graham’s bill concerning increased sanctions on Russia and Iran carried greater potential for harm than for any positive outcomes.