John McCain and Lindsey Graham
The bill on sanctions against Russia over alleged interference in the presidential campaign introduced in the U.S. Senate by Republicans John McCain, Lindsay Graham and Robert Portman, as well as Democrats Ben Cardin and Bob Menendez. About it reports on Tuesday, January 10, TASS.
The developers of the bill are in favour of introducing sanctions against individuals and organizations cooperating with the Russian power structures, including FSB and the Directorate (former GRU) of the General staff of the Russian Armed forces. In addition, the authors of the document proposed to consolidate at the legislative level, the provisions of the decree of U.S. President Barack Obama to impose sanctions against persons involved in “malicious activity in cyberspace”, which threatens national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.
The senators also advocated the seizure of assets of persons involved in undermining the cybersecurity of the US and a ban on the issuance of U.S. visas. It is expected to impose restrictions in relation to those who provide financial and material support to the hackers.
In addition, sanctions are also proposed to impose on the energy sector of Russia in connection with situation in Ukraine and in Syria. The bill provides for the imposition of restrictive measures on investment in projects in the field of civil nuclear energy, which implements the RF, and a ban on participation in the construction of Russian pipelines. In addition, it is possible to impose restrictions on participation in the development of Russian oil and gas deposits if the investment amount exceeds $ 20 million.
U.S. and third countries are encouraged to limit participation in the privatization of Russian state assets or the purchase of government bonds of the Russian Federation. Persons who, in the opinion of the United States are responsible for violations of human rights in the territory, “occupied or controlled by Russia,” also proposed not to issue us visa.
In addition, the bill imposes a ban on any action meaning “the recognition of the sovereignty of Russia over the Crimea” or the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and also establishes the sanctions imposed against Russia in connection with situation in Ukraine.
Earlier, on 10 January it was reported that congressmen and senators have proposed to create a special Commission to investigate the intervention of Russian hackers in the election process of the President of the United States, and to enter against Russia’s new “comprehensive” sanctions.
On 29 December the United States authorities took the decision within 72 hours 35 to expel Russian diplomats, as well as close access to two objects used by them. The White house claim that such measures were “a response to harassment of American diplomats in Moscow from the Russian authorities.” In addition, the US President imposed sanctions against the FSB, the former GRU, a number of organizations and several individuals, citing cyber attacks on the electoral system of the United States from Russia. Moscow-allegations of involvement in hacking attacks rejects.