US senators are considering a plan to fast-track a bill introducing sanctions against Russia by using an amendment to tariff legislation, Punchbowl reported, citing sources in Congress.
Expedited consideration of the sanctions package in the upper chamber had previously stalled after Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock blocked the process. Journalist Andrew Desiderio reported on X that Democrats launched a proposal over the hotline during the day, signaling progress on the measure.
The proposal includes a joint amendment from Warnock and Senator Bill Cassidy aimed at adjusting the document's tariff provisions. Desiderio noted that the step suggests lawmakers are close to an agreement to speed up final passage of the bill, although the exact timing for a final vote remains unknown.
Debate over presidential powers
The joint amendment highlights an effort to reach a compromise and push the initiative past earlier obstacles. Democrats previously criticized the sanctions bill as containing vague wording, warning it served as a pretext to grant Donald Trump sweeping authority to introduce tariffs.
