Senate Majority Leader John Thune has indicated that the Senate will be providing an update soon on a long-stalled bill to impose new sanctions against Russia. Thune shared this information with reporters on Tuesday, expressing hope for a decision in the coming week. He also noted that there is a significant amount of interest in moving forward with the legislation, which has over 90 co-sponsors. The bill has received support from President Trump, who has opened the door to the measure, though the legislation is not expected to be debated this week.
Thune emphasized the need for a clear signal from President Trump to proceed with the legislation, which has been stalled for several months. The bill, authored by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), has garnered the backing of more than 80 members of the Senate. However, the lack of a firm commitment from the White House has delayed the process. Trump, in a recent statement, said that he is ‘looking at it very strongly,’ as he expressed fresh frustrations with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ongoing military campaign in Ukraine. This development suggests that the administration is considering the possibility of supporting the sanctions bill, which could mark a significant shift in the administration’s approach to Russia.
The sanctions legislation is not expected to be brought to the floor this week, as the Senate is currently focused on other legislative priorities. However, there is a possibility that the bill could be considered before the August recess, when the Senate is expected to be in session for a more extended period. Thune has been working to build momentum for the bill, which includes a range of measures aimed at targeting Russian financial institutions and individuals involved in the country’s military campaign in Ukraine. If the bill is approved, it could lead to new sanctions against Russian officials and entities, as well as potentially restricting certain financial transactions with the country. This move is seen as a response to the ongoing tensions between the United States and Russia, particularly in light of the recent escalation in the conflict in Ukraine.