Republicans scramble to contain Trump's damage, but the path is not clear



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Bipartite majorities almost unanimous in both the House and the Senate have adopted new tough sanctions authorities in part to punish Russia for its election interference last year. Mr. Trump signed them only reluctantly.

Senator Cory Gardner, a Republican from Colorado, said he would enact his own legislation that would require the state department to consider designating Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism. Senators Jeff Flake, Republican of Arizona, and Chris Coons, Democrat of Delaware, were preparing a non-binding resolution that more or less formally endorsed the findings of the intelligence community. that Russia has interfered in the elections. Senator John Barrbado, Republican of Wyoming, said he would introduce Wednesday a move to move Europe from Russian gas to US natural gas, a questionable effort given the challenge of exporting large quantities of liquefied natural gas.

The President picked up more supporters, while House Freedom caucus members congratulated Mr. Trump on meeting Putin, accused his critics of having him undermined and accused reporters have asked questions to representative Andy Biggs, Republican of Arizona, described as "really weird" and "a little unsettling".

"I call this a successful summit," said Rep. Andy Harris, Republican of Maryland, "and I do not care about anything related to the mainstream press.

John O. Brennan, the former CIA director who suggested Monday that Trump's behavior had been treacherous, came for particular contempt. "There's something treacherous," said Ohio representative Warren Davidson, "it's this operation that sows mistrust in our duly elected US President."

Leading Democrats in the House and Senate Impressed by Their Republican Colleagues.

"Words are not enough," Schumer told the Senate. "Our response to the undermining of American interest in an opponent demands an answer, not just in words but in deeds."

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