US lawmaker wants cyber sanctions on Russia after hacking charges

The US is accusing Russia of hacking political sites, saying it is trying to interfere with the upcoming presidential election.

In this file photo, the Homeland Security Department headquarters in northwest Washington. Source: AAP

The chairman of a US Senate cyber security subcommittee said on Friday he planned to introduce sanctions legislation over "Russia's cyber criminals" after Washington accused Russia of political cyber attacks ahead of the Nov. 8 presidential election.

Republican Senator Cory Gardner said his legislation would require the Obama administration to investigate those who have engaged in significant actions undermining cyber security and aggressively pursue sanctions when appropriate.

Gardner is chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific and International Cybersecurity.