Sputnik News- The bill on new Russia and Iran sanctions is currently held up by the US House of Representatives, Senator and former Hillary Clinton running mate Tim Kaine told Sputnik on Wednesday.

When asked about the status of the bill, Kaine said, "It seems to be kind of held up right now."

The US Senate passed the sanctions package on June 15 with a 98-2 vote, but the legislation was flagged by the House as a "blue slip" violation because any bill that raises revenue for the government must originate in the lower chamber.

Last week, House Democrats introduced identical legislation to what was already passed by the Senate. They then called on the House to quickly pass the bill back to the Senate.

The bill, which censures Iran over its ballistic missile program, also slaps new sanctions on Russia over Moscow�s alleged interference in the US presidential election in 2016.

The legislation targets Russia's defense, intelligence, mining, shipping and railway industries and restricts dealings with Russian banks and energy companies. It also limits the US president's ability to ease any sanctions on Russia by requiring Congress' approval to lift any restrictions.

Russian officials have repeatedly denied allegations that Moscow meddled in the US election.