U.S. House approves sanctions on Russia, Iran and N. Korea

The U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday passed a bill that puts further sanctions on Russia for its alleged interference in last year's presidential elections.

The bill also expanded congressional checks on President Donald Trump's abilities to ease those penalties against Moscow, reports the CNN.

The bill was passed with an overwhelming majority i.e. 419-3. The legislation, which includes new sanctions against Russia, Iran and North Korea, now moves to the Senate before being sent to the president's desk.

Earlier, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said that the administration is supportive of the bill.

However, this contradicts White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci's statement that Trump was not sure Russia was behind efforts to influence the 2016 election, despite the intelligence community's assessment.

Aides and members of Congress from both parties say if Trump does decide to veto the sanctions bill there will be sufficient votes to override the veto and enact the bill into law.