But behind the scenes, the White House is actually working to weaken a sanctions bill lawmakers in both parties see as providing leverage against all three. The House was set to pass the bill late last month, but the White House made an 11th-hour plea to lawmakers to delay. '”A spokesman for Engel declined to comment on the ongoing negotiations between the White House and Engel over the sanctions bill. Democratic aides point out that Ryan and McCarthy have the power to bring the Syria sanctions bill to the floor without Democratic agreement. For the Syria sanctions, the Obama administration should let the legislative process play out and take the leverage lawmakers are offering.

Source: Washington Post October 06, 2016 11:03 UTC