Message to Trump and Putin

The following editorial is from Bloomberg View:

With its 98-2 vote to expand sanctions against Russia, the U.S. Senate has effectively served notice on two great powers in Washington: Russia, which may have to face new costs for its meddling in the 2016 U.S. election; and President Donald Trump, who will have to contend with congressional input on U.S. policy toward Russia.

The bill, which also strengthens penalties against Iran, would put into law sanctions that had been imposed by former president Barack Obama and not allow Trump to ease or lift them without congressional review. It also would allow new sanctions on state-owned entities in Russia, such as those which engage in “malicious cyber activity” or supply weapons to Syria.

In an alternate universe — one in which someone other than Trump were president — pursuing better relations with Russia might make sense. Sanctions are best used sparingly, in concert with other nations and with a clear goal in mind. And while Congress certainly has a constitutional role to play in foreign relations, the ship of state sails most smoothly with one captain, not 535.

But Russian President Vladimir Putin is showing no signs of contrition or reform — and neither, for that matter, is Trump. From the Americas and Europe to the Middle East and Asia, Trump’s outbursts and their dissonance with both longstanding U.S. policies and his own cabinet’s pronouncements are worrying allies and creating openings for adversaries. Under these circumstances, the Senate was right to step in.