Senate Majority Chief John Thune (R-S.D.) says it’s his “hope” that the Senate passes laws to position robust sanctions on Russia by the August recess, a bipartisan proposal sponsored by Trump ally Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.).
Senate Republicans are feeling extra assured about passing Russia sanctions laws this month after President Trump criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin this week for stepping up assaults on Ukrainian cities.
“I hope that we can get it on the floor before the August recess,” Thune informed reporters Wednesday. “We’re working with the administration, with the Home to attempt to get it in a type the place it’s prepared.”
“Obviously, there’s a tremendous amount of bipartisan support here in the Senate. I think that’s shared in the House of Representatives, at least I hope that it is. The White House is very engaged in trying to get it in a form that we can transact and [get] across the floor of the Senate,” he added. “Whether that happens in the next couple of weeks is a bit of an open question but I’m hopeful that it can.”
The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, which Graham launched with Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) would impose major and secondary sanctions on Russia and nations that buy Russian oil, gasoline, uranium and different merchandise.
It will impose a 500-percent tariff on imported items from any nations that buy sanctioned Russian merchandise.
Graham mentioned the laws would give Trump “a waiver” to exempt sure imports and exports from sanctions.
“The real focus of the bill is to hit the customers of Putin. China and India buy 70 percent of Russian oil and gas and other petroleum products. I’ve always believed the way this war ends is when China goes to Putin and says, ‘Enough already, you’re hurting us now,’” he mentioned.
Graham mentioned he hopes the sanctions invoice may make it to the Senate ground as quickly as subsequent week.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) informed reporters earlier Wednesday that he’s open to trying on the laws.
“I don’t know any details yet but I know there’s an interest in that in the House side, so we’ll have to see,” Johnson informed reporters within the Capitol when requested in regards to the Senate invoice.
“Vladimir Putin has shown an unwillingness to be reasonable and to talk seriously about brokering a peace, and I think we have to send them a message, that’s my view,” he added.
