Support Ukraine by Reversing Trump’s Sanctions Relief for Russia

As your constituent, I urge you to investigate and reverse President Trump’s decision to suspend economic penalties recently approved by Congress against Russia. Congress should restore pressure on Putin and reject a policy that favors Russia while Ukraine fights to survive. SANCTIONS RELIEF PUTS UKRAINIAN LIVES AT RISK Trump’s October 16 order suspends new sanctions, or economic penalties, and trade restrictions under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 (H.R. 5334, Public Law 119-111). These measures target the money, banks, and trade that support Russia’s war. By suspending these penalties, the administration is shifting American policy in Russia’s favor and weakening support for Ukraine. That risks helping Russia sustain attacks that kill and injure civilians, force families from their homes, leave children and older people without heat or electricity in winter, and damage hospitals, depriving patients of lifesaving care. Russia should earn relief through verified steps toward peace, not receive it while continuing its attacks. Giving up economic pressure without securing such steps risks encouraging Putin to keep fighting rather than negotiate an end to the war. CONGRESS MUST RESTORE PRESSURE ON PUTIN Congress gave the President power to suspend these penalties, but that does not make his decision sound policy. Congress can change the law to restore the sanctions and limit future suspensions. It should investigate the reasons and consequences of Trump’s decision while advancing legislation to reverse it. RESTORE THE SANCTIONS AND INVESTIGATE NOW (1) RESTORE THE SANCTIONS. Introduce and support legislation reversing the suspension and requiring enforcement of the sanctions. Allow future relief only for specific, verifiable Russian steps toward ending the war. Set time limits and require new reports before extensions. Preserve exceptions for food, medicine, and other humanitarian aid. (2) SECURE A VOTE. Urge congressional leaders to bring the legislation promptly to both chambers. Build enough support to pass it even if Trump vetoes it. Begin the investigation and work on legislation now; do not let an investigation become an excuse to delay action. (3) INVESTIGATE THE DECISION. Urge the relevant committees to question the Secretaries of State and Treasury at hearings. Obtain the administration’s explanation and decision records, using lawful committee subpoenas if necessary. Establish what Russia offered in return, what risks officials identified for Ukraine and American security, and which businesses benefit. Examine any conflicts of interest. (4) SEEK AN INDEPENDENT REVIEW. Ask the Government Accountability Office (GAO), which investigates for Congress, to assess how the suspension affects efforts to restrict funding for Russia’s war. Seek a public report explaining its findings while protecting classified information. Thank you.