House passes intelligence bill enhancing efforts against Russia

The House passed an annual intelligence policy authorization bill Nov 30 that includes a provision to increase scrutiny of Russia's attempts to exert covert influence around the world, after the country was accused of meddling in 2016's US presidential election. Tucked into the 93-page unclassified portion of the legislation, approved by a vote of 390-30, is a measure establishing an interagency committee to counter Russian meddling in foreign countries that's often taken the form of media manipulation and spreading disinformation.

Another provision of the bill limits the travel of Russian diplomatic personnel in the US to a maximum of 25 miles from their official posts unless the FBI certifies to Congress that it didn't find evidence of wrongdoing by those individuals. In 2016, independent researchers also found that a Russian propaganda campaign created and spread fake news meant to boost Trump over Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Some stories promoting misinformation came from state-funded Russian information services or were spread on social media by Russian sites.