GOP senator prevents quick passage of House bill limiting Russian trade

A House-passed bill to end normal trade relations with Russia is getting snagged in the Senate by a fight over whether or not to include a ban on importing Russian oil in the legislation.

Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) tried to quickly pass the House legislation, which cleared that chamber last week in an 424-8 vote, arguing that it would be a symbolic show of unity while President Biden is traveling to meet with European allies in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Sen. Mike Crapo (Idaho), the top Republican on the Finance Committee, blocked Schumer’s request. Crapo had previously warned that he would block quick passage of the House bill if it didn’t include the oil ban.