House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has endorsed new legislative efforts to impose sanctions on Russia in response to President Vladimir Putin’s ongoing war against Ukraine.
“A lot of congressional members are eager for us to hit Russia with the toughest sanctions possible,” Johnson stated to reporters on Monday. “And I’m here to champion that.”
This support aligns with a bipartisan initiative in the Senate aimed at imposing what has been referred to as “Punishment of fractures” on Russia.
Senators Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) have introduced a proposal that would impose a hefty 500% tariff on countries that buy Russian energy products.
Graham expressed optimism that the Senate could begin moving forward with the bill this week.
“We will see Congress take action,” said Graham at a press conference in Ukraine last week.
Echoing Johnson’s sentiments, Graham mentioned that he has a plan ready to push the sanctions bill through and present it for former President Trump’s approval.
However, it remains unclear whether Trump will back significant sanctions against Russia during peace negotiations regarding Ukraine.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) told reporters on Monday, “There’s a strong level of interest on both sides of the Senate about this issue. It’s something we may address in the current work period.” Thune added that they are coordinating with the White House to ensure the proposed actions align with ongoing negotiations.
The Graham-Blumenthal proposal, dubbed the “Russian Sanctions Act 2025,” boasts over 80 co-sponsors in the Senate.
“This bill would effectively isolate Russia in trade,” Graham wrote in a Wall Street Journal op-ed last week. “The repercussions of the invasion must be tangible for those who back it. If nations like China or India cut back on their cheap oil purchases from Russia, Putin’s military efforts would be severely impacted.”
“I hope for a positive outcome, but regarding the aggressors in Moscow, we must all be prepared for more.”
The bill is currently under review by the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee. While Trump has aired his disappointment with Putin’s ongoing attacks on Ukraine, he has refrained from escalating sanctions, despite earlier threats to do so.
