U.S. House Ends Week Without Acting on Russian Sanctions
By Kathleen Hunter Mar 28, 2014 11:22 AM ET
The U.S. House of Representatives ended the week without sending legislation providing financial aid to Ukraine and expanding sanctions on Russian officials to President Barack Obama for his signature.
The legislation, intended as punishment for Russia’s incursion in Crimea, passed the Senate yesterday with broad bipartisan support. It includes about $1 billion in loan guarantees and authorizes $150 million in direct assistance to Ukraine. It imposes sanctions against Russians and Ukrainians deemed responsible for corruption and violence.
The measure remains unfinished until Congress returns next week.
“Today is an important day for Ukraine and for all nations who support international law, democracy and decency,” Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said yesterday, framing the vote as a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
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http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-03-27/congress-approves-russian-sanctions-with-putin-warnings.html