Russia is going to learn the hard way.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is throwing his full support behind a renewed congressional push to impose crippling economic sanctions on Russia, as part of a growing effort to stop Vladimir Putin’s bloody invasion of Ukraine and protect American national interests.
“There are many members of Congress who believe we should sanction Russia as strongly as possible,” Johnson said Monday. “I stand with them. This is about national security and standing up for freedom.”
His endorsement comes as the U.S. Senate advances the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, a bipartisan bill aimed at hammering the Russian economy and cutting off critical revenue streams from foreign oil sales. The legislation, backed by over 80 senators, proposes a 500% tariff on any country that purchases Russian energy products.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who co-authored the bill with Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), says this strategy could deliver a decisive blow to Putin’s war machine.
“This puts Russia on a financial island,” Graham said. “If countries like China and India stop buying Russian oil, Putin won’t be able to fund his military aggression.”
President Trump’s America First Doctrine in Focus
While President Trump has long prioritized diplomacy over endless foreign entanglements, his administration remains in active discussions with Senate Republicans on whether these new economic penalties align with ongoing peace negotiations.
“We’re in talks with the White House,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.). “There’s bipartisan interest in acting quickly—but we’re also making sure this complements the broader strategy President Trump is pursuing.”
Trump has previously expressed frustration over Putin’s refusal to pull back strikes against Ukrainian cities, and he has hinted at stronger action if Russia continues to escalate. Yet the President has made clear: no American blood, no blank checks. This sanctions package would keep pressure high without dragging the U.S. into another endless conflict.
Energy Independence, Economic Warfare, and American Strength
Graham’s op-ed in The Wall Street Journal framed the bill as a defining moment in U.S. foreign policy. He argued that by weaponizing economic tools—not American troops—the U.S. can protect freedom abroad while restoring energy dominance at home.
“We can hope Putin changes, but we must prepare for more of the same. Strength is the only language he understands,” Graham warned.
The bill is now under consideration by the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee and could head to the Senate floor by month’s end.
For conservative Americans concerned about national sovereignty, energy independence, and global stability under President Trump’s leadership, this legislation represents a major step in holding hostile regimes accountable—without compromising American lives or values.