A major sanctions package targeting Russia and its energy trade partners is regaining momentum in the Senate — and this time, President Donald Trump appears to be on board.
The bipartisan bill, spearheaded by Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), had stalled as lawmakers raced to finalize Trump’s flagship domestic legislation ahead of the July 4 deadline. But with the reconciliation process now wrapped, the proposed sanctions are once again in the spotlight.
The legislation proposes slapping tariffs of up to 500% on countries that purchase Russian energy products — a direct blow to Russia’s revenue streams. The targets include oil, gas, uranium, and other key exports, much of which are bought by China and India, who together account for nearly 75% of Moscow’s energy market.
Trump Signals Shift on Russia
While the proposal initially faced resistance from the White House — with Trump favoring peace negotiations and seeking more discretion on how sanctions would be imposed — a shift in tone toward Russian President Vladimir Putin may have altered the calculus.
Sen. Graham now believes the president supports the effort. “My goal is to get this on the president’s desk before the August recess. We’ve got 85 co-sponsors,” Graham told Fox News Digital. “The president thinks the bill will be helpful.”
The White House has yet to issue an official statement on the legislation.
Key Change: Presidential Waiver
One major adjustment to the bill includes a waiver provision granting the president flexibility in applying the sanctions. Sen. Blumenthal noted that the new language addresses concerns over potential global financial disruption, the impact on U.S. allies, and the need for strategic discretion in enforcement.
“Trump is seeing what we’ve all known — Putin is stalling and escalating,” Blumenthal said. “He’s continuing attacks on Ukrainian civilians and committing horrific war crimes. The president is realizing Putin has no interest in peace — only domination.”
Push for a Floor Vote
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said leadership is working closely with the House and White House to ready the bill for a floor vote, ideally before the end of the month. However, he acknowledged that timing remains uncertain.
“It’s an important message to send right now,” Thune said. “This gives us real leverage.”
The House, led by Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), is reportedly supportive of the bill.
Not All Republicans On Board
Despite strong bipartisan support, the bill is facing opposition from some conservatives. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) harshly criticized the legislation, calling it a “worldwide embargo tariff bill,” not a targeted Russia sanctions measure.
Paul warned that punishing nations like China and EU members that rely on Russian energy could devastate U.S. trade and foreign relations. “This would impose 500% tariffs on nearly any country doing business with Russia. It’s the most economically illiterate proposal we’ve seen in years,” he said.
Still, supporters argue that the measure is necessary to cripple Putin’s war effort and restore American leadership on the global stage.
With Trump’s apparent support, the bill now has a clearer path — but its final shape and timing remain in flux.
