Trump's decision to waive Russian sanctions outrages Congress, but no quick counter seen

Key Points:

• Senator Thom Tillis criticized President Trump for waiving sanctions on Russia, calling it "beyond irresponsible" and accusing the administration of capitulating to Putin amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
• The bipartisan Lindsey Graham Russian Sanctions Act, passed overwhelmingly by the Senate, was intended to impose tariffs on Russian energy imports to cut off funding for Russia's war in Ukraine, but Trump indefinitely waived these sanctions citing national security concerns.
• Senate Democrats, including Chuck Schumer and Elizabeth Warren, condemned Trump's decision as enabling Putin's aggression and urged Congress to take action to reverse the waiver once lawmakers return from recess after the election.
• Bipartisan lawmakers, including Rep. Gregory Meeks, introduced legislation to block Trump's diesel deal with Russia, labeling it corrupt and contrary to U.S. interests, while highlighting the urgency of maintaining pressure on Moscow.
• Darline Graham, appointed to fill her late brother Lindsey Graham's Senate seat, emphasized continuing the sanctions pressure on Russia despite differing with Trump, underscoring the late senator’s legacy in pushing the sanctions bill.