Congress Might Finally Be Growing a Spine

Why the Russia Sanctions Showdown Could Be the Turning Point—Even for Republicans

Something rare is happening in Washington. Congress might actually stand up to the President.

With over 80 senators co-sponsoring the Sanctioning Russia Act, lawmakers from both parties are signaling that they may finally be ready to stop ceding power to the executive branch, and they picked the right issue to do it on.

The Trump White House has been quietly pressuring senators to water down the bill, inserting waivers and modifying firm legal language to allow the President greater discretion; however, the Senate isn’t buying it this time.

Senator Lindsey Graham (R‑SC), who co-authored the bill, called it “one of the most draconian sanctions bills ever written,” promising “bone-crushing sanctions” and 500% tariffs on Russian energy sales. His Democratic co-sponsor, Senator Richard Blumenthal (D‑CT), emphasized, “We cannot let Putin believe that Congress will blink.”

A Veto-Proof Moment

With 81 co-sponsors, the bill already has more than the 67 votes required to override a presidential veto. This isn’t just strong. It’s almost unprecedented in today’s divided political landscape.

For Republican senators who need a legislative win before the midterms, this is a golden opportunity:

• ✅ Score points for being tough on Russia

• ✅ Show bipartisanship to moderate voters

• ✅ Reclaim congressional authority in the face of executive overreach

Critically, they can do all this without having to denounce Trump directly.

A Constitutionally Conservative Break?

Public frustration with presidential overreach is boiling over across party lines. From war powers to trade policy, Americans are sick of Congress rolling over. This sanctions vote is a chance to say, “No more.”

It's not rebellion. It’s restoration. As Graham put it, “This is a time to be aggressive, not passive.” He probably meant regarding Putin, but this could be a sign of also being strong against Trump.

Meanwhile, in Moscow...

While U.S. senators sharpen the sanctions knife, Russia is playing a mix of distraction and quiet defiance.

A Russian lawmaker this week bizarrely offered Elon Musk political asylum, with Deputy Duma Chair Dmitry Novikov saying, “If [Musk] did need political asylum, of course Russia could provide it.” It’s classic Kremlin trolling, fodder for cable news and social media chaos, but the more serious message is coming from senior officials.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has avoided addressing the sanctions directly, instead insisting the West focus on peace settlements, calling diplomatic progress “extraordinarily complex.” Behind the scenes, however, Moscow is bracing for economic pain. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has slammed the sanctions push as “illegitimate,” vowing to expand the use of non-dollar currencies to blunt U.S. financial pressure.

In short: They know what’s coming, and they’re not laughing.

The Real Stakes

This isn’t just about punishing Russia. That is important, but this is also about proving Congress can still lead.

If lawmakers cave to Trump on this, it will tell the public that even an overwhelming bipartisan consensus isn’t enough to challenge presidential power. If they stand firm, they’ll be making a clear and necessary statement: the legislative branch still matters.

The Bottom Line

Congress finally has a win-win:

• A popular, bipartisan, veto-proof bill

• A chance to reassert their constitutional power

• A safe distance from Trump's political fallout

All they have to do is vote the way 81 of them already said they would.

The question isn’t whether Trump will try to stop them. The question is, will they finally stop him?

Bibliography:

• Beattie, Alan. “Congress Can Give Trump the Leverage to Coerce Putin.” The Washington Post, May 29, 2025.

• Bertrand, Natasha, and Olivia Beavers. “White House Quietly Pressures Senate to Water Down Russia Sanctions.” The Wall Street Journal, June 7, 2025.

• Dixon, Robyn. “Russian Officials Delight in Trump-Musk Rift, Offer Mediation, Asylum.” The Washington Post, June 6, 2025.

• Helmore, Edward. “Are Lindsey Graham's Contortions About to Prod Trump into Russia Sanctions?” The Guardian, June 3, 2025.

• Associated Press. “After Talks with Zelenskyy and Macron, US Senators Warn: Putin ‘Is Preparing for More War.’” AP News, June 5, 2025.

• “Axios Hill Leaders: Senate vs. Putin.” Axios, June 10, 2025.

• RIA Novosti (via Mid.ru). “Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's Remarks … Illegitimate Sanctions … De‑Dollarisation.” Mid.ru, June 2025.

• “Russia, US Working Hard to Achieve Peace but No Quick Results — Kremlin.” TASS, April 15, 2025.