Lawmakers Push for Russian Sanctions in Funding Bill

Sen. Lindsey Graham addresses the media regarding the new bill on Russia and Belarus as state sponsors of terrorism. [AP/YONHAP]

On Saturday, two U.S. lawmakers made a big announcement: they’re pushing their colleagues to attach sanctions on Russia to a vital funding bill during this week’s discussions. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to pressure Russia due to its ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Senator Lindsey Graham and Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (both Republicans) have been working on legislation designed to punish Moscow for its refusal to negotiate peace with Ukraine. Notably, this legislation includes provisions for secondary sanctions targeting countries like India and China that buy Russian oil.

Interestingly, leadership in both the Senate and the House hasn’t brought this bill to a vote primarily because of President Donald Trump’s reluctance to implement sanctions on Russia. Trump has shown a preference for placing tariffs on imports from India, which is the second-largest buyer of Russian oil, following China.

The funding measure in question, usually referred to as a continuing resolution (or CR), may offer an ideal opportunity for these lawmakers to push their sanctions agenda forward.

In a joint statement, Graham and Fitzpatrick said, “We’ll be urging our peers from both parties to help advance this legislation and take a stand against tyranny and support freedom. The time to act is now.”

Furthermore, they acknowledged Trump’s recent comments indicating that the U.S. is ready to impose additional energy sanctions on Russia, contingent on all NATO allies halting their Russian oil purchases and enforcing similar actions.

“We strongly believe that the marriage of sanctions, tariffs, and the provision of advanced American weaponry to Ukraine will create the leverage needed to get Putin to the negotiating table for a fair peace,” they added.

As of now, the White House has not replied to inquiries about the lawmakers’ push to embed sanctions within the funding bill.

Reuters