Senators Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) co-sponsored a bipartisan sanctions package targeting Russia. This legislation proposes a 500% tariff on goods imported from nations that continue to purchase Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other exports. The primary targets of these tariffs are countries like China and India, which currently account for approximately 70% of Russia's energy trade and significantly finance its war efforts in Ukraine. The senators briefing European allies and Ukraine in Rome emphasized that this bill is a "game-changer" designed to hit Russia "right where it hurts" and compel President Vladimir Putin to negotiate an end to the conflict.
The senators briefed a meeting of the "coalition of the willing" in Rome, a group of over 30 countries prepared to send troops to maintain peace in Ukraine post-conflict. This meeting marked the first U.S. attendance, aimed at bolstering the American presence and demonstrating congressional commitment to Ukraine through bipartisan action. They expressed hope to bring the legislation to a Senate vote before the August recess and are convinced it would provide the necessary tools and flexibility to the President to pressure Putin. Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, joined the senators, reinforcing the message that no U.S. troops would be directly involved in Ukraine.
The bill has significant bipartisan support in Congress, with Graham stating that 84 senators have already co-sponsored it, including Senator Susan Collins of Maine. House Speaker Mike Johnson has also signaled readiness to act on the measure. While there is broad support, the White House has expressed some reservations regarding the President's waiver authority over the sanctions. President Trump seeks full control over the waiver process, preferring to lift penalties without congressional oversight, though the bill allows the President to waive sanctions for 180 days, subject to congressional review. The waiver would require a 60-vote threshold in the Senate to be overturned.
The senators believe this legislation will also act as a deterrent to China regarding its ambitions for Taiwan. Graham described the bill as a "trial run for Taiwan," suggesting that the threat of such a massive economic penalty for supporting Russia could discourage similar actions concerning Taiwan. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) acknowledged that despite "tremendous" bipartisan support, the bill is still a work in progress as the White House engages in the process, aiming for passage before the August recess. The goal is to get this legislation to the President by the end of the month.
