John Thune
| Photo Credit:
ELIZABETH FRANTZ
The US Senate will hold off on considering new sanctions legislation on Russia until at least after President Donald Trump’s planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the chamber’s Republican leader said.
“At the moment we’re kind of hitting the pause button,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters Monday.
The bill would give Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 500% on imports from countries that buy Russian energy products and are not actively supporting Ukraine. This specifically targets major consumers of Russian energy, such as China and India.
Last week, Thune said the Senate would vote on the legislation within about 30 days.
The bill has languished in the Senate for months despite having the support of at least 85 senators. Trump has been reluctant to green light a vote on the bill.
Published on October 21, 2025
