Senate Pauses Russia Sanctions After White House Request

Senate Republican leader John Thune said the Senate will pause consideration of a bipartisan bill that would impose steep tariffs on countries continuing to import Russian oil, gas or uranium until after President Trump meets with President Vladimir Putin in Budapest, following a White House request intended to avoid undercutting diplomatic efforts. The measure—backed by more than 80 Senate cosponsors and a House companion with 100+ supporters—would allow tariffs of up to 500% and includes a limited presidential national-security waiver. Thune and Sen. Lindsey Graham are coordinating with the White House, and a Politico source described the legislation as effectively “on ice” pending the summit; a floor vote that had been expected within about 30 days has been postponed. Trump has publicly signaled reluctance to impose fresh sanctions after a lengthy, “productive” call with Putin and has agreed to meet him in Budapest. Moscow welcomed the administration’s overtures toward diplomacy.