U.S. Senators introduce bill to curb sanctions easing

The Russia Sanctions Review Act was introduced as a bill in the U.S. Senate on Wednesday, Feb 8. Radio Free Europe reports that the bill was brought forward by a bi-partisan group of Senators, including John McCain (R), Marco Rubio (R), Claire McCaskill (D), and Sherrod Brown (D).

Senator Ben Cardin, who supports the bill, told reporters that, “the reason for the Russia Review Act is that we’ve heard the president speak several times about potentially reducing or eliminating sanctions.”

“So it’s aimed at getting consultation from Congress and, if necessary, action from Congress, if the president were to change our policy on the current sanctions without the broad support and understanding of Congress.”

When asked about the bill, White House spokesman Sean Spicer refused to comment on pending legislation, but noted that the White House fully supports the statement of U.S. ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, made on Feb. 2 confirming the U.S condemnation of Russian actions in Ukraine and that sanctions regarding Crimea are needed.

James Hydzik: While the Russia Review Act is gathering broad Senate support, it is unclear how the House of Representatives will move on the matter. Also, the comments from both Spicer and Haley carefully separate Crimea-related sanctions from those related to events in Donbas. We do not foresee attempts to change the U.S. sanctions regime in the very near future, though this bill, if it gains support in the House, could cause the Administration to try a rollback before the bill passes, if a rollback is indeed President Trump’s intention.