U.S. Lawmakers Push for Tough Russia Sanctions in Government Funding Bill

Two Republican lawmakers are intensifying efforts to impose sweeping sanctions on Russia, tying their proposal to a must-pass federal funding bill. Senator Lindsey Graham and Representative Brian Fitzpatrick announced they will urge Congress this week to include their sanctions legislation in a continuing resolution (CR) that keeps the government operating.

The proposed bill aims to pressure Moscow into negotiating a peace deal with Ukraine by enforcing strict penalties. Central to the plan are secondary sanctions targeting countries such as India and China, the two largest buyers of Russian oil. If passed, the legislation would significantly raise the economic stakes for nations continuing to trade energy with Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

So far, congressional leaders have avoided bringing the bill to a vote. A key reason is President Donald Trump’s reluctance to impose sanctions directly on Russia. Instead, Trump has leaned toward tariffs on Indian goods while demanding broader international cooperation before expanding penalties against Moscow. On Saturday, he stated the U.S. would consider new energy sanctions only if NATO allies commit to halting Russian oil purchases and implementing parallel restrictions.

Despite Trump’s cautious stance, Graham and Fitzpatrick insist the moment is urgent. “Time is of the essence,” they emphasized, calling on colleagues across party lines to support the initiative. The lawmakers believe a mix of sanctions, tariffs, and advanced U.S. weapon sales to Ukraine is the most effective strategy to push Russian President Vladimir Putin toward “a just and honorable peace.”

As Congress debates the funding resolution, the push to embed Russia sanctions within the must-pass legislation could become a critical test of U.S. policy toward Moscow, its global oil partners, and ongoing support for Ukraine.