Senators Want More Russia Sanctions Post-Helsinki

Resolutions and sanctions legislation are piling up in the Senate in the wake of President Donald Trump’s meeting and conciliatory press conference with Vladimir Putin in Helsinki, creating the possibility of fresh Russia penalties this fall.

Republicans criticized the president’s press conference with Putin earlier in July, during which he cast doubt on Russian election interference and blamed both the U.S. and Russia for a downturn in relations. GOP leaders have said that they are open to additional penalties against Russia, but with the House out for August recess, it is unlikely a bill will reach the president’s desk until at least the fall.