Democrats Eye Spending Power to Shift Russia Policy
Rep. Greg Stanton argues Congress should use budget leverage after Trump waived energy sanctions on Russia.
Updated on Nov. 15, 2026 in International Relations
Live Poll
Should Congress use budget deadlines to force changes in U.S. policy toward Russia?
Rep. Greg Stanton said Democrats should use the power of the purse to change U.S. foreign policy on Russia. The comments follow an October executive order by President Donald Trump waiving energy sanctions against Russia and the top purchasers of Russian energy, even though Congress passed the Lindsey Graham sanctions bill.
Why it matters
Lawmakers had hoped the sanctions legislation would hamper Russian President Vladimir Putin's ability to fund the war against Ukraine, so its non-implementation shifts the fight to federal spending. Trump argued the sanctions would have halted Russian hostage negotiations, a claim that frames the dispute around detained Americans.
Congress passed the Lindsey Graham Russia sanctions bill, but the president has not implemented it, and the executive order issued in October waived energy sanctions against Russia and its top energy purchasers. The December 11 budget deadline is the next point at which lawmakers may attempt to restrict the administration's use of appropriated funds.
The players
Donald Trump
The 47th President of the United States, who has pursued a transactional approach to Russia and hostage negotiations during his second term.
Greg Stanton
A Democratic U.S. Representative from Arizona who has advocated using congressional spending authority to influence foreign policy toward Russia.
Bernie Sanders
A longtime independent U.S. Senator from Vermont who frequently opposes military spending and foreign interventions.
The details
Sens. Michael Bennet, Bernie Sanders, Chris Van Hollen and Tammy Duckworth said in a joint statement they will oppose any short-term spending patch that does not restrict the Trump administration from using appropriated funds for the war against Iran. Trump wrote on Truth Social that he was not required to give anything in return for the release of Stephen Hubbard, a U.S. citizen detained by Russia.
Timeline
October 2026: Trump issues an executive order waiving energy sanctions against Russia.
December 11, 2026: Upcoming budget deadline.
Political Context
The primary counter-argument from the administration is that sanctions would have halted Russian hostage negotiations and that no concession was owed for the release of Stephen Hubbard. Democratic opponents counter that spending restrictions are the appropriate tool to force implementation of the Lindsey Graham sanctions bill.
For readers, the practical question is whether sanctions on Russian energy remain in force or stay waived, which affects energy prices and the cost of imports. The December 11 budget deadline will determine whether federal spending restrictions take effect.
The takeaway
Watch the December 11 budget deadline, since it is the next concrete opportunity for Congress to attach conditions to how appropriated funds are used on Russia and related foreign policy.
Further reading
Explore more coverage in International Relations to see how sanctions and spending fights shape Washington's dealings with Moscow.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Hill.
Live Poll
Should Congress use budget deadlines to force changes in U.S. policy toward Russia?
