SENATE VOTES 97-2 FOR SANCTIONS AGAINST RUSSIA

Defying the Trump administration, the Senate agreed overwhelmingly Wednesday to expand sanctions against Russia for meddling in last year’s presi- dential election and for myriad other abuses.

Senators voted 97-2 to add a package of Russian sanctions to a bill that seeks to punish Iran for its recent flurry of ballistic missile tests and human rights violations. The Senate could give final approval to the bill as early as Thursday.

Democrats and Republicans said the Russian sanctions, the result of extensive bipartisan negotiations, are needed to send a warning to Moscow and anyone else who interferes in U.S. elections will be punished.