Senate backs bill to aid Ukraine, sanction Russia

DEB RIECHMANN
House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio wraps up a news conference on his legislative agenda, Wednesday, March 26, 2014, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Boehner touched on the Ukraine crisis, relations with Russia, the NSA surveillance program, jobs and other issues. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress is speaking with one voice against Russia's annexation of Crimea, passing legislation in the House and Senate giving help to Ukraine and imposing sanctions against Russia.

The Senate approved the legislation by voice vote Thursday while the House was passing a different version on a 399-19 vote.

The votes are a show of solidarity with Obama, who has already announced sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin and others.

Lawmakers intend to get a final measure to the White House by day's end.

Each bill would provide $1 billion in loan guarantees to cash-strapped Ukraine and sanction Russia for its annexation of Crimea.