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Bipartisan Russia Sanctions Bill Gains Support, Could Reach Senate Vote Soon
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Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the vote on the sanctions bill could happen as early as this month, before the Senate’s August recess, according to The New York Times on July 9.
Momentum is building behind a bipartisan bill in the US Senate that would impose severe sanctions on countries purchasing Russian oil, as Republicans work to gain President Trump’s support for the measure.
The bill, which targets countries that continue to buy Russian oil, has gained support from both parties, with 83 senators backing the measure. The proposal is cosponsored by Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal.
Trump’s statement on Tuesday that he was “very strongly” considering supporting the sanctions bill indicated that an agreement could soon be reached to move the legislation through Congress.
Thune called the proposed sanctions legislation “overwhelmingly bipartisan” and emphasized that it would enhance President Trump’s leverage in negotiations to help end the war in Ukraine. He said the bill could be voted on as early as this Senate work period, which runs until the chamber’s summer recess.
In recent weeks, Senator Graham has been working behind the scenes to modify the bill to make it more acceptable to Trump. Graham and Blumenthal added a provision that would give the president discretion over the timing and enforcement of sanctions.
Additionally, they have discussed including a grace period for countries that trade with Russia but also provide aid to Ukraine, allowing them to avoid sanctions.
Trump appeared to approve of these changes during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, saying he was “looking at” the bill but reiterated that he wanted broad discretion in applying any sanctions. Without a full waiver giving him more control, Trump is unlikely to support the bill, according to a source familiar with the matter.
Senator Graham has signaled that Trump is on board, stating in a recent social media post, “It is now time to put more tools in President Trump’s toolbox in order to end the war.”
He expects the Senate to move forward with the bipartisan sanctions bill, which would allow tariffs and sanctions on countries supporting Russia’s war effort.
Despite some momentum, the bill’s progress had stalled earlier due to other legislative priorities. However, with ongoing deadly strikes in Ukraine, pressure is mounting in Congress once again.
Speaker Mike Johnson voiced his support for the sanctions bill on Wednesday, saying that Putin’s unwillingness to negotiate peace must be met with a strong message.
Blumenthal also expressed optimism, pointing to Trump’s decision to resume military aid to Ukraine. He said that Trump’s support for military assistance reflects a shift in his approach that could extend to the sanctions bill.
According to the NYT, it remains unclear whether Democrats will support granting Trump broad authority to waive sanctions, amid growing criticism of his previous moves to pause restrictions on Russia.
Earlier, Donald Trump reportedly considered sending Ukraine another Patriot air defense system to strengthen Kyiv’s defenses against ongoing Russian aerial attacks.
