Republicans ready to vote on Russia sanctions bill pending Trump’s approval

Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced that Republicans will proceed with a vote on a bipartisan Russia sanctions bill as soon as President Donald Trump gives his approval.

The legislation, co-sponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), aims to impose economic sanctions on Russia and penalise countries that support Russian President Vladimir Putin’s military efforts by purchasing discounted oil and gas, Caliber.Az reports via US media.

“We ought to do whatever we can to help Ukraine succeed and to put pressure on Russia to come to the table,” Thune said during a wide-ranging interview on "Special Report."

Although the bill currently has 85 co-sponsors in the Senate, it has been on hold following President Trump’s July 14 announcement at the White House that the U.S. would sell weapons to NATO allies for redistribution to Ukraine. Trump also threatened to impose 100% secondary tariffs on nations that continue trading with Russia if no agreement is reached within 50 days.

Thune explained, “The president, I think, has decided to move sort of unilaterally on that front, both on sanctions and with respect to weapons delivery to Ukraine. So, I think he understands what it's going to take to get the Russians to the table. We want to work with him and be partners on that.”

By Vugar Khalilov