Crapo-led panel explores sanctions

Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo wants to ramp up economic sanctions and “impose real costs” on Russian President Vladimir Putin for his country’s ongoing military incursions and interference in democratic elections in the United States and Europe.

Crapo is chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, which has jurisdiction over international economic policies that affect the U.S., including economic sanctions.

The committee held a 90-minute hearing Thursday, looking at the effectiveness of past sanctions and options for the future. It was the second hearing on the topic Crapo has scheduled this year/ William L. Spence , Lewiston Tribune. More here.