The White House is in ongoing discussions with Capitol Hill regarding changes to a proposed sanctions bill aimed at Russia, favoring a more refined approach over existing sanctions. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) introduced the legislation months ago, garnering support from 82 co-sponsors. However, the Senate postponed a vote to allow President Trump time to seek diplomatic solutions between Russia and Ukraine.
Recently, Trump has expressed growing skepticism about Vladimir Putin’s willingness to end the conflict, which might prompt the bill to be brought to a vote soon. Sources familiar with the situation indicate that there are active negotiations between lawmakers and the White House, though specific timelines remain unclear.
“The House is also eager to push this forward,” noted one source.
The companion legislation in the House has attracted 70 co-sponsors.
Michael Anton, a policy planner at the State Department, has reportedly advised allies to refrain from unilateral sanctions imposed by the White House while avoiding interference in Graham and Blumenthal’s legislation.
Behind the scenes, the White House is advocating for revisions that would grant the president more discretion in enforcement. Specifically, officials want to adjust the wording in the bill from “appointment” to “may,” a nuanced shift that could weaken enforcement efforts.
“The White House typically aims to dilute bills, regardless of who’s in charge, and that’s fairly standard,” the source explained. “Whenever a committee or individual pushes a sanctions bill, career staff usually respond, suggesting changes to soften the language.”
The proposed law encompasses serious economic penalties, featuring 500% tariffs on nations dealing with Moscow and imposing sanctions on significant Russian officials and entities.
Graham has acknowledged that revisions may incorporate exceptions to certain customs rules, benefiting countries that provide assistance to Ukraine. This potential concession could ease the burden on European nations still dependent on Russian energy.
“Why not consider a nation that backs Ukraine?” Graham remarked in an interview, suggesting that military and economic support could lead to favorable treatment in the bill.
In a recent podcast, Trump openly questioned Putin’s intentions regarding the conflict’s resolution, expressing doubts about whether the Russian leader was genuinely committed to ending hostilities.
On Capitol Hill, Trump’s military advisors were asked on Wednesday whether they believed Putin would cease his offensive actions. General Dan Kane, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, responded, “I don’t think he will.” Defense Secretary Pete Hegses added, “We can’t say for sure yet.”
Meanwhile, the European Union is preparing a new sanctions package that is pending a vote and includes measures against the Nord Stream Energy Pipeline.
Since the start of Russia’s war in Ukraine in 2022, the U.S. has severed Russian banks from its financial system, freezing over $300 billion in Kremlin assets, banning the export of vital technologies, and restricting the import of Russian fuels.
