Lawmakers are moving swiftly to pass a new Russia sanctions bill, bolstered by President Donald Trump’s private endorsement. Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced that the Senate could take the lead in advancing the legislation, despite House GOP leaders traditionally favoring Senate initiation. The proposed bill, which includes tariffs on countries importing Russian energy and secondary sanctions on foreign firms aiding Russian energy production, has garnered bipartisan support.
However, the House leadership has not yet confirmed a timeline for the bill’s consideration, and the Senate faces an already packed December agenda with key votes. Some House Republicans, particularly isolationists, are expected to oppose the measure, though supporters argue these objections will not derail the effort. Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.), who is supporting a bipartisan companion bill of Graham’s in the House, said in an interview Wednesday he believes his chamber could quickly pass the sanctions bill if Trump gave his public blessing. Wilson predicted it would receive overwhelming support from Republicans and Democrats.
Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader John Thune pointed to a December agenda in the Senate already overloaded with appropriations, a defense policy bill, nominations and health care vote. Asked if he believed sanctions could pass this year, he said, “we’ll see.” Graham also told reporters Wednesday that the White House sent him a statement that very day about the bill, and that lawmakers involved in its drafting have signed off. The bill would impose tariffs on countries that import Russian energy and implement secondary sanctions on foreign firms that support Russian energy production.
The White House’s support for the bill comes amid heightened tensions with Russia, following recent events in Ukraine and the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe. The sanctions aim to isolate Russia economically and deter its energy exports, which are a critical source of revenue for the country. Despite the potential financial impact on European markets, which rely heavily on Russian gas, the U.S. position remains firm. Analysts suggest that while the sanctions could affect global energy prices, the broader geopolitical implications are seen as more significant than immediate economic consequences.