U.S. House of Representatives committee backs bill on sanctions against Russia

The Rules Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives has supported a bill tightening sanctions against Russia and referred it for consideration by the full lower chamber.

The committee's vote was broadcast on Monday on its website.

Seven members of the committee spoke in favor of the rule for considering the document in the lower chamber of Congress, while three opposed it. At the same time, lawmakers rejected several amendments proposed by representatives of the Democratic Party. Thus, the bill has been referred for consideration by the full U.S. House of Representatives. As the Fox News television channel notes, the lower chamber of the legislature may begin discussing the document and hold a procedural vote on it as soon as September 15 and, if it is approved, hold a vote on its adoption the following day.

The document in question was principally authored by U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, who died on July 11. The Senate approved this bill on August 7. If the House of Representatives approves it, the bill will be sent to U.S. President Donald Trump for his signature.

The document provides for restrictions against Russia's top political and military leadership and state companies, as well as secondary sanctions against Russia's trading partners. Under the bill, the United States could impose 100% tariffs on countries that are major buyers of Russian oil and gas. In addition, it provides for measures to tighten sanctions against Iran.