WASHINGTON - The U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved a bill that will slap tougher sanctions on Russia, Iran and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). Congressmen voted 419-3 to pass the bill, with three Republicans -- Justin Amash, Jimmy Duncan and Thomas Massie -- voting against the bill. Political analysts said the move will bring more uncertainties to the country’s relations with the three countries.
“The House’s 419-3 vote on the sanctions bill reflects changes in its evaluation of threats from the three countries,” said Teng Jianqun, director of the Department for American Studies at the China Institute of International Studies. Teng said the sanctions bill also shows that the United States now has great worries about its national security. “The bill, undoubtedly, will bring a negative impact and more uncertainties to America’s relations with the three countries, as well as solutions to related regional issues,” Teng added. The overwhelming support for the bill, which was voted on under special procedures to pass with a two-thirds majority, means that the House could override a presidential veto. The measure aims to target key Russian officials in retaliation for Moscow’s alleged interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, as well as sanctions against Iran and the DPRK in response to their weapons programs. (Xinhua)