Trump’s decision to waive Russian sanctions outrages Congress, but no quick counter seen: news

Trump’s Decision to Waive Russian Sanctions Outrages Congress, but No Quick Counter Seen

President Donald Trump’s abrupt move to waive major sanctions against Russia has triggered fierce backlash on Capitol Hill, yet lawmakers face significant hurdles in mounting an immediate countermeasure.

Executive Order Halts Graham Act Penalties

The controversy centers on an executive order signed to indefinitely suspend sanctions, restrictions, and secondary tariffs established under the bipartisan Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act. The legislation had targeted Russia’s energy sector, its defense industry, and the “shadow fleet” of oil tankers financing Moscow’s ongoing war in Ukraine.

In his certification to Congress, Trump defended the move as being in the U.S. national interest, citing domestic energy affordability and global market stability. The decision arrived alongside an announced agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to supply diesel to lower fuel costs.

Bipartisan Backlash Across Capitol Hill

The waiver drew sharp condemnation from both sides of the aisle:

• Erosion of Congressional Intent: Lawmakers who overwhelmingly passed the sanctions package warned that pausing enforcement undermines U.S. leverage and signals an alarming thaw in relations with the Kremlin.

  The Indian Express

• Foreign Policy Concerns: Critics argued the decision weakens allied pressure on Moscow while shifting administrative pressure toward Ukraine.

• Proposed Countermeasures: House Foreign Affairs Committee ranking member Gregory Meeks introduced legislation aimed at blocking the diesel deal with Moscow, labeling the arrangement contrary to core U.S. interests.

  Bozeman Daily Chronicle

Why a Quick Congressional Counter Remains Unlikely

Despite widespread frustration, congressional action to overturn or constrain the waiver faces structural bottlenecks:

• Procedural Hurdles: Passing new legislation to strip presidential waiver authority requires substantial floor time and broad coordination, which is difficult to achieve rapidly.

• Veto Vulnerability: Any counter-legislation passed by Congress would require a two-thirds supermajority in both chambers to overcome a near-certain presidential veto.

• Political Dynamics: While several Republican defense hawks joined Democrats in voicing outrage, rallying the party unity needed to challenge the executive branch directly presents a formidable political barrier.