Trump backed a bill proposing new sanctions against Russia, which had been championed by Senator Lindsey Graham
US President Donald Trump is set to back the passage of a bipartisan bill imposing sanctions on Russia, which Senator Lindsey Graham has been championing for several years. This was announced by a White House spokesperson, according to CNN.
The President’s support came a few days after Lindsey Graham’s death. It is expected that this may facilitate the bill’s passage through Congress.
Earlier, Lindsey Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal stated that, following lengthy negotiations, the US administration had agreed to back the bill. At the same time, it remained unclear whether Donald Trump would personally back it, as he had previously criticised the bill on several occasions and insisted that the president should have broader powers to impose sanctions.
Responding to journalists’ questions about whether he planned to sign the bill if it were passed, Trump said: “Yes, we are discussing it. We will make a decision very soon.”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune stated that the White House had worked closely with Lindsey Graham on drafting the bill. He said that the bill would require the support of both Republicans and Democrats to pass, and he hoped this could be achieved.
Thune also noted that in the final days of his life, the sanctions bill had been a key political priority for Lindsey Graham, and its passage could form an important part of the senator’s legacy.
Richard Blumenthal said he plans to discuss with John Thune the finalisation of the bill and the timetable for its consideration, as well as the appointment of a new Republican co-sponsor to replace Lindsey Graham.
The bill provides for the possibility of Donald Trump imposing high tariffs on imports from countries that purchase Russian oil, uranium and natural gas. According to the authors’ intention, this is intended to increase economic pressure on Moscow against the backdrop of the war against Ukraine.
