A powerful new sanctions bill meant to enforce harsh sanctions on Russia has suddenly come to a stop in the U.S. Congress. The bill, created by a Republican senator, was set to place very high tariffs—up to 500%—on countries that buy energy, uranium, and other raw materials from Russia. These tariffs were part of a wider plan of economic sanctions meant to weaken Russia’s global influence.
The goal was simple: reduce the money Russia makes from selling important natural resources. That money helps fund its military and international actions. By adding huge taxes on other countries trading with Russia, the bill aimed to make Russian goods more expensive and less attractive on the world market through indirect sanctions.
But the plan did not go as expected. According to a Bloomberg report, the bill was stalled before it could be discussed or voted on. The reason? U.S. President Donald Trump opposed it. This news surprised many, especially because the bill came from someone in Trump’s own political party.
Trump Says It’s Not the Right Time
When asked about the proposed sanctions legislation, Trump said something unexpected. He claimed he had not even looked at the bill. Then he added that he would only consider sanctions “at the right time.” These remarks caused confusion among both supporters and critics.
Trump’s words signaled that he did not currently support stronger sanctions against Russia. He gave no clear reason for this delay, but his position immediately stopped the bill from moving forward. The legislation, which was gaining attention, suddenly became frozen.
People following the situation closely noted that Trump’s comments were enough to pause the proposal entirely. Even though he is no longer the sitting president, his voice still holds major influence, especially among Republican lawmakers.
The stalled bill might have been one of the strongest moves against Russia in recent U.S. history. Yet it now sits quietly, with no date for discussion or voting. Trump’s lack of support seems to be the key reason behind the failure of the proposed sanctions.
GOP Senators Choose Silence Over Action
One of the most striking parts of this situation is how Republican senators have responded—or rather, how they have not responded. Many expected some Republican lawmakers to step forward and defend the bill. After all, several had earlier spoken strongly against Russia and supported tough sanctions in the past.
But now, there is almost complete silence. No one is pushing the bill forward. No one is openly challenging Trump’s stance. Reports suggest that GOP senators are afraid to speak out. They worry about backlash from Trump, who still holds major power within the party.
Red Carpet in Red Square? Russia Invites Musk as Trump Calls Him ‘Phony’
Instead of debating or standing firm on their past statements, many lawmakers are staying quiet. Their silence has allowed the sanctions bill to remain stuck. Even senators who privately support strong sanctions appear unwilling to lead the effort without Trump’s approval.
This silence shows the deep hold Trump still has over the Republican Party. Even outside of the White House, he continues to shape key decisions. Lawmakers seem hesitant to act on anything that might upset him, even if it means stopping major sanctions efforts against foreign threats.
One of the Harshest Sanctions Bills Now on Ice
The sanctions bill itself was built to apply intense pressure on Russia. It would have hit hard by targeting the country’s main sources of income. Many nations still buy oil, gas, uranium, and other raw goods from Russia. This sanctions plan would have made those purchases extremely expensive by adding a 500% tariff.
The effect would be global. Countries buying from Russia would have to rethink their choices. Most would likely stop buying Russian goods because of the cost. That, in turn, would hurt Russia’s economy. It was a bold plan, designed to work without military action.
Supporters of the bill believed it would show strength. It would prove that the U.S. takes threats seriously and is willing to lead through powerful economic sanctions. But now, that strong message has been weakened. The bill is stalled, and there’s no clear plan to bring it back to life.
No public protests have come from the lawmakers who first seemed ready to support these sanctions. There are no major speeches, no press conferences, and no statements demanding the revival of the stalled effort. Instead, there is quiet. Trump’s opposition has frozen movement, and the fear of political fallout has silenced others.
So, for now, one of the toughest sanctions bills aimed at Russia remains shelved. The GOP senators who once seemed eager to act have taken a step back. The loudest voice, once again, is Trump’s—and it is saying, “Not now.”