US Senate passes Graham bill imposing sanctions on Russia and Iran

The US Senate has voted through legislation that allows sanctions to be imposed on Russia and Iran, passing the measure by 86 votes to 11.

The bill, known as the "Graham bill," was co-sponsored by the late Senator Lindsey Graham. Lawmakers debated the legislation and reviewed several proposed amendments before sending it to a final vote.

Risky amendment rejected

Before the final vote, senators struck down an amendment put forward by Senator Rand Paul that could have derailed the entire bill. That amendment failed by a vote of 64 to 32.

Trump's expected support

According to live broadcasts of the Senate proceedings, as relayed by European Pravda, the chamber had earlier disclosed details of an updated version of the bill. Last month, CNN reported, citing a White House official, that President Donald Trump would back the bipartisan Russia sanctions legislation introduced by the late Senator Graham, and Trump has since indicated he is prepared to sign it into law.