Senate Banking Committe overwhelmingly approves amendment blocking President Trump on ZTE

The Senate Banking Committee rebuked President Donald Trump's efforts to ease sanctions on the Chinese telecom firm ZTE, which the intelligence community and trade regulators have warned poses a national security risk for the U.S.  The committee approved an amendment in an overwhelming and bipartisan 23-2 vote that would block President Trump from easing sanctions on ZTE without first certifying to Congress that the company is complying with US law. The move comes the same day it was reported that the Trump administration and China are closing in on a deal to ease off ZTE in exchange for trade concessions. That report raised concerns among lawmakers of both parties who have advocated for a crackdown on Chinese technology companies.  “If the president and his team won’t follow through on tough sanctions against ZTE, it’s up to Congress to ensure that it happens," Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) said.