Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., is calling for two Senate committee to begin hearings on Russia sanctions, The Hill is reporting.
His request came as he met with Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee and Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho., who chairs the Banking Committee. The meeting followed President Donald Trump’s summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this week, the website noted.
"I tasked the chairmen of the Banking and Foreign Relations Committees with holding hearings on the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, and to recommend to the Senate additional measures that could respond to or deter Russian malign behavior," McConnell said Thursday.
Pressure is mounting on the Senate leadership for additional sanctions legislation in the wake of the Trump-Putin summit. In addition, there are serious concerns that Russia is trying to meddle in the November midterm elections, The Hill noted.
McConnell said he asked for the committees to make recommendations on potential legislative steps as part of Congress's effort "to form part of any national response" to Russian interference in the United States or other countries."
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. has been pushing new sanctions on Russia that could only be waived if the administration certifies Moscow has ceased interfering in U.S. election.
Graham has said he wants McConnell and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to work together in sending a strong sign that the meddling in U.S. politics will not be tolerated.
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