Democrats and many Republicans have been pushing for the Senate to adopt a new Russian Federation sanctions measure in response to Russia's interference in the 2016 United States elections and after reports the Trump administration is considering easing sanctions on Moscow.
"By codifying existing sanctions and requiring Congressional review of any decision to weaken or lift them, we are ensuring that the United States continues to punish President Putin for his reckless and destabilizing actions", Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement.
The US Senate on Wednesday overwhelmingly approved a new package of sanctions that punish Russian Federation for its efforts to alter the course of the 2016 presidential election.
White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Thursday that the Trump administration is "committed to existing sanctions against Russia" but is "still reviewing the new Russian Federation sanctions amendment".
Mr. Putin said there was no reason to impose new sanctions and said at the heart of the new measures was the controversy in the USA around contacts between President Donald Trump's campaign team and Russian officials. They also target Russia's shipping, mining, and railway industries.
The measures need the approval of the House of Representatives and to be signed into law by President Trump, although they are thought to have enough Congressional support to override any veto.
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"I certainly agree with the sentiment that has been conveyed by several members from both parties that Russian Federation must be held accountable for its meddling in USA elections", he said.
Other sanctions have been introduced for the country's alleged interference in the USA presidential election.
Dan Fried, who retired in February as coordinator for sanctions policy at the State Department, told Yahoo News that there was "serious consideration" by the Trump White House to "unilaterally rescind the sanctions".
Graham, a South Carolina Republican who ran against Trump for the Republican presidential nomination, says the unanimous vote "should reassure our allies and give notice to our enemies that America stands firmly in support of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and our Article 5 commitment".
The Russia sanctions were added as an amendment to the Iran bill on Wednesday and passed 97-2. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told a Senate panel Tuesday he was wary of actions that could interfere with the administration's efforts to improve relations with Russian Federation.
Sen. Bob Corker, chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, said the bill was an effort for Congress to regain some control of USA foreign policy.
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