Republican lawmakers seek tougher sanctions on Russia

[Sports News]

By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A group of Republican senators introduced legislation on Wednesday proposing their own measures to punish Russia over the Ukraine crisis, including sanctions on major banks and energy companies, as well as $100 million in military aid for Kiev. Saying they were frustrated with President Barack Obama's reaction to Russia's military action in Ukraine, the lawmakers said the package would also require Obama to increase substantially U.S. and NATO support for the armed forces of Poland, Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia and accelerate implementation of missile defense in Europe. The legislation provides authority for exports of U.S. natural gas to all World Trade Organization members, a demand of Republicans since the Ukraine crisis began, and provides support to encourage U.S. companies to invest in energy projects in Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova. Backers of the bill included Senator Bob Corker of Tennessee, John McCain of Arizona and other leading Republican foreign policy voices.

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