House Speaker Advocates for Stronger Sanctions on Russia

During a recent interview, House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed his support for “excessive” sanctions against Russia, indicating that lawmakers are looking to President Trump for guidance on the next steps.

Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, backed the push for sanctions following comments from Senators Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Brian Fitzpatrick from Pennsylvania, who urged action to prevent potential government shutdowns in the near future.

“In times of despair, we need to take bold measures. I believe the sanctions against Russia have been delayed for too long,” Johnson stated on “Face the Nation,” as Vladimir Putin’s military continues its aggression towards Ukraine.

He noted a strong desire among congressional members to collaborate with colleagues in the White House and Senate to move forward with the sanctions. “I’m personally invested in seeing this through,” he added.

A few months back, a bipartisan coalition of senators, led by Graham and Richard Blumenthal from Connecticut, introduced a sanctions package that gained around 85 co-sponsors.

This proposed legislation aims to impose secondary tariffs on nations buying oil from Russia, intending to disrupt critical funding for Moscow’s military operations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has fervently endorsed this initiative. Trump has initially sidelined it, positing that he could implement these penalties through executive action, while White House officials indicated that legislative actions could complicate U.S. efforts in negotiating peace.

Last month, Trump had threatened to initiate secondary tariffs against Russia but withdrew after discussions between Putin and special envoy Steve Witkov. Following that, he held a summit with Putin in Alaska.

Since then, extensive drone and missile attacks have been unleashed by Putin on Ukraine.

On Saturday, Trump reiterated his call for NATO allies to join him in launching a unified sanctions campaign against Russia, as Moscow continues to undermine Western economic penalties.

“Naturally, the President will need to approve any legislation we pursue, so Congress can’t act independently,” Johnson remarked when asked if he was waiting for Trump’s approval.

“The president holds a pivotal role. He is an assertive leader on the world stage,” he emphasized.

Last year, Johnson faced challenges from factions led by Marjorie Taylor Greene after voting for a bill that allocated approximately $61 billion in aid to Ukraine, which has been heavily affected by the ongoing conflict.