U.S. Congress hesitates to impose sanctions on Russia without Trump’s approval: Speaker Johnson’s stance
New developments have emerged in the United States concerning the potential imposition of sanctions on Russia, as legislative representatives have made statements that could influence policy directions.
House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized that Congress cannot independently approve new sanctions against Russia without prior coordination with President Donald Trump.
While acknowledging that the situation regarding Russia has long required serious restrictive measures, Johnson clarified that decisions without executive branch agreement are currently off the table.
“I truly believe that challenging times demand bold actions.
Sanctions against Russia have been overdue for a long time.
There is strong interest within Congress to implement these measures.
We are ready to work closely with the White House and the Senate to bring this to fruition.
Personally, I am eager to do everything possible to make it happen,” Johnson stated in an interview with CBS News.
However, he stressed that the final decision rests with the president: “Congress does not have unlimited authority in this matter.
The decision to impose sanctions must be made in agreement with and signed by the president, as he is the Commander-in-Chief and holds the final say on foreign policy issues.” This situation is built upon a series of statements by policymakers and legislative initiatives responding to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
Notably, on September 10, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham announced that Congress was prepared to pass legislation enabling Trump to impose additional sanctions.
On September 12, a bill was introduced proposing that Russia and Belarus be designated states sponsors of terrorism unless they return more than 19,000 kidnapped Ukrainian children.
On September 13, Donald Trump expressed via Truth Social his readiness to impose severe sanctions on Russia and cease purchasing Russian oil, emphasizing that his patience regarding Vladimir Putin has run out.