Corker: Trump officials moving forward with delayed Russia sanctions

Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) on Thursday said the Trump administration is moving forward with a new set of sanctions targeting Russia, a step that comes after weeks of delay.

Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in a statement that the State Department will soon identify entities in the Russian intelligence and defense sectors in line for sanctions. 

{mosads}

The GOP chairman said the administration’s move “is a good first step in responsibly implementing a very complex piece of legislation, and I appreciate Secretary Tillerson’s attention to this important issue.”

“Congress will expect thorough and timely consultation until full implementation is complete,” Corker added.

The statement from Corker, a vocal critic of President Trump, comes a day after he vowed to get answers from the White House on why the sanctions had been delayed.

“I’m going to get on the phone with someone,” Corker said Wednesday.

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle began demanding answers from the Trump administration after the White House missed an Oct. 1 deadline to identify Russian targets for the new sanctions.

Corker has feuded with the president since announcing that he will not seek reelection next year. 

The powerful Tennessee senator accused Trump this week of “debasing” himself and the nation.

“I don’t know why he lowers himself to such a low low standard and debases our country in the way that he does, but he does,” Corker said Tuesday. “I think the debasing of our nation … will be what he’ll be remembered most for.”

– This story was updated at 6:17 p.m.