Coffman: Russia Sanctions 'Overwhelmingly Passed'

A GOP congressman Thursday laughed at White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci's suggestion the president might veto a Russia sanctions bill — to get an even tougher one.

In an interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer, Rep. Mike Coffman, R-Colo., said Congress would override any veto by President Donald Trump on legislation that both chambers "overwhelmingly passed."

Scaramucci, in earlier remarks to CNN, floated the idea Trump could do just that.

"He may sign the sanctions exactly the way they are, or he may veto the sanctions and negotiate an even tougher deal against the Russians," Scaramucci said.

When Blitzer asked Coffman if he understood the Scaramucci suggestion, the lawmaker laughed and said, "No, I don't."

"I don't understand," he said. "It makes absolutely no sense."

The Republican lawmaker went on to state if Trump wanted to make the sanctions tougher, he could propose additions to legislation.

"The president's free to add on to these sanctions that Congress has overwhelmingly passed," he said.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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