**Discussions intensify on sanctions as bipartisan lawmakers push for swift action amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.**
**Senate Set to Vote on Bipartisan Russia Sanctions Legislation This Month**
**Senate Set to Vote on Bipartisan Russia Sanctions Legislation This Month**
**A measure aimed at curbing Russian oil purchases gains momentum with potential Trump support.**
In a significant political development, Senate Republicans have indicated that a vote on bipartisan legislation to impose strict sanctions on countries purchasing Russian oil could occur within weeks. This push comes as lawmakers seek to strengthen pressure on President Vladimir Putin, whose military actions against Ukraine continue unabated.
Senator John Thune, the Republican Senate majority leader, announced on Wednesday that “substantial progress” has been made in advancing the sanctions package, which is co-sponsored by Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and enjoys support from 83 members across party lines. This bipartisan effort signals a growing urgency within Congress to respond to the ongoing conflict.
Former President Donald Trump suggested he is “very strongly” considering backing the proposed sanctions, which could facilitate faster approval in Congress. The expedited vote is projected to take place before the Senate's month-long recess begins on August 1.
To make the legislation more appealing to Trump, Graham and Blumenthal have included provisions that grant the president certain flexibilities regarding how and when to apply the sanctions. This includes a potential grace period for countries that trade with Russia while providing assistance to Ukraine, designed to soften the immediate impact of the penalties.
At a recent cabinet meeting, Trump indicated a positive stance towards these adjustments, emphasizing that he desires latitude in enforcing sanctions based on his discretion. As discussions continue, the bipartisan coalition appears committed to finalizing the bill, reflecting a unified approach to addressing the challenges presented by Russia’s ongoing aggression.
Senator John Thune, the Republican Senate majority leader, announced on Wednesday that “substantial progress” has been made in advancing the sanctions package, which is co-sponsored by Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and enjoys support from 83 members across party lines. This bipartisan effort signals a growing urgency within Congress to respond to the ongoing conflict.
Former President Donald Trump suggested he is “very strongly” considering backing the proposed sanctions, which could facilitate faster approval in Congress. The expedited vote is projected to take place before the Senate's month-long recess begins on August 1.
To make the legislation more appealing to Trump, Graham and Blumenthal have included provisions that grant the president certain flexibilities regarding how and when to apply the sanctions. This includes a potential grace period for countries that trade with Russia while providing assistance to Ukraine, designed to soften the immediate impact of the penalties.
At a recent cabinet meeting, Trump indicated a positive stance towards these adjustments, emphasizing that he desires latitude in enforcing sanctions based on his discretion. As discussions continue, the bipartisan coalition appears committed to finalizing the bill, reflecting a unified approach to addressing the challenges presented by Russia’s ongoing aggression.
