WASHINGTON, March 27, 2014 – The Senate and the House approved legislation today that seeks to address the Ukraine crisis by offering financial assistance to the country and by imposing various sanctions against Russia.
Both chambers expect to iron out minor differences between the bills and send a final package to President Obama by tonight.
The legislation aims to “support the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine” by providing about $1 billion in loan guarantees to the country, which is a major exporter of wheat and corn. Further, the bill would authorize various asset freezes and visa bans against several Russian officials who were involved with the annexation of Crimea.
The House approved the legislation on a 399-19 vote. Seventeen Republicans and two Democrats voted against the bill. The Senate followed by approving its bill by voice vote.
Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, applauded the action by Congress. "We should be strengthening our relationships with Ukraine," King said. "The president has been a spectator to [Russian President Vladimir] Putin's re-launched cold war. We have to be prepared for a face-off with the Russians again."
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