Sen. Katie Britt told Newsmax that GOP leaders are urging the House to pass the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, a sanctions package that passed the Senate 86-11. The bill targets Russian officials, oligarchs, banks, the shadow fleet and authorizes tariffs of up to 100% on major importers of Russian oil and gas, while extending Iran sanctions through 2031. Some House Democrats oppose expanded presidential tariff authority, citing potential price and diplomatic impacts. Britt also stressed the need to keep the U.S. technologically competitive with China in AI.
Sen. Katie Britt: GOP Sanctions Bill Will Give Trump Tools to Hold Putin Accountable
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Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) told Newsmax on Tuesday that GOP leaders in Congress are pressing a broad sanctions package intended to give President Donald Trump new economic tools to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin and push for negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.
What the Bill Does
The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, which passed the Senate in August by an 86-11 vote, expands U.S. penalties on Russia by targeting government officials, oligarchs, banks and financial institutions, and the so-called "shadow fleet" used to evade sanctions. The legislation also authorizes tariffs of up to 100% on major importers of Russian oil and gas and renews the Iran Sanctions Act for five years, extending U.S. sanctions authority on Iran's energy and weapons sectors through 2031.
Status in the House
On Monday the House Rules Committee advanced the measure, clearing a procedural hurdle and opening the possibility of a floor vote this week. Britt urged House members to pass the bill, saying it will provide the administration with stronger leverage over Moscow.
"This is huge. This is exactly what everyone has been waiting for," Britt said on Newsmax's "Wake Up America." "We are giving President Trump the tools to hold Putin accountable. We've got to stop his war machine."
Opposition and Concerns
Despite broad bipartisan support in the Senate, several House Democrats have raised objections to the bill's expansion of presidential tariff authority. Representatives Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), Don Beyer (D-Va.) and Richard Neal (D-Mass.) said they support Ukraine but worry the tariff provision could raise consumer prices and complicate relations with U.S. allies.
Britt pushed back on those concerns, arguing that lawmakers have repeatedly called for stronger action to end the fighting and that the bill is the tool to do so. She said she hopes the House will approve the measure promptly.
On Technology and AI
In the same interview, Britt addressed artificial intelligence policy, arguing the United States must maintain its technological edge over China. "There is no doubt that we must win the AI race," she said, adding that Congress should craft policies that keep innovation and high-tech jobs in the U.S.
Reporting note: Britt made these remarks during an appearance on Newsmax's "Wake Up America." This article summarizes her statements and the current legislative status of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act.
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