Intel officials worried US slow to implement rule to track Russian travel: report

U.S. intelligence officials are expressing concerns that the State Department is being too slow cracking down on Russian diplomats’ travel within the U.S., according to Politico.

Congress’ annual Intelligence Authorization Act requires officials from the State Department to strictly enforce travel rules for Russian diplomats who are within the U.S., however Politico reports Moscow’s diplomatic corps within the U.S. has continued to bypass notification rules and freely roam the country, raising concerns they could be participating in surveillance activities.

{mosads}Intelligence officials told Politico the State Department has been slow to implement the regulations.

The report comes after the Senate voted 98-2 to impose new sanctions on Russia and make it more difficult for the president to lift them.

The sanctions are meant to punish Moscow for meddling in the 2016 election. Officials believe hacking efforts stemmed from high levels in the Russian government, even extending to President Vladimir Putin.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said last week the Senate sanctions could prevent a possible U.S. dialogue with the Kremlin.  

The Trump administration is facing increased scrutiny in the federal probe into alleged collusion between the Trump campaign and Russian election meddling.