White House, Congress in talks over Russia sanctions bill

The White House is currently engaged in discussions with Capitol Hill regarding a proposed sanctions bill aimed at targeting Russia. This bill, introduced by Sens. Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal, has garnered significant bipartisan support. However, the Senate has delayed a vote on the bill to allow President Donald Trump the opportunity to pursue a diplomatic resolution to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

With President Trump growing increasingly skeptical of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s intentions, there is a possibility that the bill may soon come to the Senate floor. Talks between lawmakers and the White House are ongoing, though a firm timeline has not yet been established. The House also has expressed interest in moving the legislation forward, with 70 co-sponsors in support.

State Department policy planner Michael Anton has indicated privately that the White House is not in favor of imposing unilateral sanctions but is not opposed to the Graham-Blumenthal legislation. The administration is seeking revisions to the bill that would grant the president greater discretion in enforcement by changing the language from “shall” to “may.”

The proposed sanctions bill includes measures such as 500% tariffs on countries that do business with Russia and sanctions on key Russian officials and entities. Sen. Graham has acknowledged that revisions may be necessary, including potential exemptions for countries providing aid to Ukraine. This exemption would offer relief to European allies that rely on Russian energy.

President Trump has publicly expressed doubts about Putin’s willingness to end the conflict in Ukraine. His top military advisors have also voiced skepticism about Putin’s intentions. In response to Russia’s actions, the European Union has unveiled a sanctions package that includes a ban on transactions with the Nord Stream energy pipelines.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the U.S. has imposed significant sanctions on Russia, including cutting off Russian banks from the U.S. financial system, freezing Kremlin assets, and restricting technology exports and fuel imports from Russia. The situation remains fluid, and the international community continues to monitor developments closely.