Nation/World

White House signals acceptance of Russia sanctions bill

WASHINGTON — The White House indicated Sunday that President Donald Trump would accept new legislation curtailing his authority to lift sanctions on Russia on his own, a striking turnaround after a broad revolt by lawmakers of both parties who distrusted his friendly approach to Moscow and sought to tie his hands.

If it passes, as now seems likely, the measure would represent the first time that Congress, with both houses controlled by fellow Republicans, has forced its will on Trump on a major policy matter. That it comes on an issue as fraught as Russia illustrates how investigations into possible collusion between Moscow and Trump's team during last year's election have cost him politically.

[Congress agrees on sanctions for Russia, defying White House]

Trump found himself in a no-win position, as lawmakers eager to punish Russia for its interference in the election and its aggression toward its neighbors dispensed with partisan divide. Trump, who has made it a priority to establish warm relations with President Vladimir Putin of Russia, lashed out in anger at both parties Sunday.

"As the phony Russian Witch Hunt continues, two groups are laughing at this excuse for a lost election taking hold, Democrats and Russians!" Trump wrote on Twitter. He added: "It's very sad that Republicans, even some that were carried over the line on my back, do very little to protect their President."

The outburst contrasted with the efforts of his staff to argue that the sanctions measure had been improved. With little chance of blocking it, the White House was left to declare that changes to the original legislation made in an agreement announced over the weekend were enough to satisfy the president's concerns.

"The administration is supportive of being tough on Russia, particularly in putting these sanctions in place," Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the new White House press secretary, said on "This Week" on ABC. "The original piece of legislation was poorly written, but we were able to work with the House and Senate, and the administration is happy with the ability to do that and make those changes that were necessary, and we support where the legislation is now."

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