Senate Republicans are rallying support for sanctions targeting nations buying Russian oil, with President Trump appearing to back the initiative.
Bipartisan Momentum Builds for Sanctions Against Russia
Bipartisan Momentum Builds for Sanctions Against Russia
GOP Leaders Signal Upcoming Vote to Curb Russian Oil Purchases
July 9, 2025, 2:16 p.m. ET
In a significant legislative development, Senator John Thune, the top Senate Republican, announced Wednesday that a bipartisan bill aimed at imposing strict sanctions on countries purchasing Russian oil could face a vote as early as this month. This push comes amid rising tensions in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with lawmakers looking to increase pressure on President Vladimir V. Putin.
The proposed legislation has garnered substantial bipartisan support, co-led by Senators Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, and Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat from Connecticut, capturing the backing of 83 Senators from both parties. Notably, President Trump indicated his “strong” consideration for supporting the bill during a recent statement, signaling a possible path to swift Congressional approval.
Thune emphasized the progress made on sanctioning legislation aimed at strengthening Trump’s negotiating position to bring an end to ongoing violence in Ukraine. He noted that a vote could be arranged during the chamber's current session before its scheduled break on August 1.
Graham has been working diligently behind the scenes to adjust the bill to align with Trump's preferences, which includes adding a waiver provision granting the president some discretion regarding sanctions enforcement. The plan also considers a grace period for countries engaging in trade with Russia while providing support to Ukraine, to ease potential sanctions impacts.
During a recent cabinet meeting, Trump referenced the prospective changes positively, stating he was examining the bill. However, he also requested that the timing and application of any sanctions remain “totally at my option,” illustrating his desire for flexibility in response to the situation.
As the Senate weighs crucial steps toward these sanctions, all eyes will remain on how swiftly this legislation can be pressed through, and the potential implications it could have on Russia's actions in the ongoing conflict.
In a significant legislative development, Senator John Thune, the top Senate Republican, announced Wednesday that a bipartisan bill aimed at imposing strict sanctions on countries purchasing Russian oil could face a vote as early as this month. This push comes amid rising tensions in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with lawmakers looking to increase pressure on President Vladimir V. Putin.
The proposed legislation has garnered substantial bipartisan support, co-led by Senators Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, and Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat from Connecticut, capturing the backing of 83 Senators from both parties. Notably, President Trump indicated his “strong” consideration for supporting the bill during a recent statement, signaling a possible path to swift Congressional approval.
Thune emphasized the progress made on sanctioning legislation aimed at strengthening Trump’s negotiating position to bring an end to ongoing violence in Ukraine. He noted that a vote could be arranged during the chamber's current session before its scheduled break on August 1.
Graham has been working diligently behind the scenes to adjust the bill to align with Trump's preferences, which includes adding a waiver provision granting the president some discretion regarding sanctions enforcement. The plan also considers a grace period for countries engaging in trade with Russia while providing support to Ukraine, to ease potential sanctions impacts.
During a recent cabinet meeting, Trump referenced the prospective changes positively, stating he was examining the bill. However, he also requested that the timing and application of any sanctions remain “totally at my option,” illustrating his desire for flexibility in response to the situation.
As the Senate weighs crucial steps toward these sanctions, all eyes will remain on how swiftly this legislation can be pressed through, and the potential implications it could have on Russia's actions in the ongoing conflict.
