Senate Poised to Consider New Russia Sanctions Bill
Senator John Thune (R-SD) stated on Thursday that the “time is right” for the Senate to move forward with a bill imposing fresh economic sanctions on Russia, aiming to increase pressure on Moscow to end its war in Ukraine.Thune indicated the Senate would take up the bill “soon,” defining that timeframe as within the “next 30 days.”
The potential Senate action comes a day before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to visit the White House.The House of Representatives remains out of session due to the ongoing government shutdown.
While the bill enjoys broad bipartisan support – with 84 senators co-sponsoring the legislation introduced by Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) in April – a vote has been repeatedly delayed. Lawmakers have been awaiting a signal from former President Trump, who expressed reservations on Thursday, stating the timing “may not be perfect.”
Momentum for the sanctions bill initially built in late May and early June,coinciding with increased frustration from Trump following escalated Russian attacks against Ukraine and stalled peace negotiations. However, the U.S. involvement in the conflict between israel and Iran subsequently sidelined the measure. The White House also requested modifications to provide the president with greater adaptability in implementing the sanctions.
Further delays occurred in July when Trump threatened to impose tariffs on countries continuing to do business with Russia if a ceasefire wasn’t reached. Renewed interest arose in september after Russian drones entered Polish airspace during an attack on ukraine, following a meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska, but a vote was again postponed pending Trump’s approval.
Thune revealed that he has discussed the bill with Graham and that lawmakers are addressing technical implementation details that had raised concerns within the White House. Graham is preparing to file an updated version of the bill, maintaining ”the same basic premise” as the original.
The proposed sanctions include a 500% tariff on imported goods from countries purchasing Russian oil, gas, and uranium. The bill was previously modified to allow the president to waive the sanctions for national security reasons, though Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a cosponsor, emphasized this authority would not be “unbridled or unconstrained.” He previously described the sanctions as “scorching” and “bone-crushing.”
A companion bill in the House has garnered support from over 100 members, and House Speaker mike Johnson (R-LA) has also voiced support for sanctions, stating the need to send a message to Putin, who he believes is not seriously engaging in peace talks.
