Trump Admin Needs ‘Flexibility’ on Russia Sanctions, Bessent Tells Congress
As lawmakers consider imposing new sanctions on Russia, they should ensure they don’t hinder the Trump administration’s ability to negotiate a deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said June 11.
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“I would encourage Congress to continue to let this administration have flexibility to support the negotiations,” Bessent testified before the House Ways and Means Committee. “We should be aware of unintended consequences.”
Bessent seemed to echo President Donald Trump, who said in late May that new Russia sanctions could hurt the possibility of a peace deal (see 2505290049).
Bessent made his comments in response to Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., who, along with Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., introduced the Sanctioning Russia Act in April (see 2504020003). Fitzgerald said the bill’s “sweeping sanctions” are intended to “provide the administration with the tools necessary to deliver lasting peace through strength.” The bill has picked up significant support in both chambers, though no plans to hold votes have been announced.
Bessent noted that the Trump administration has left in place and is enforcing the sanctions and export controls that President Joe Biden imposed on Russia following its February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. “Economic tools remain an important facet of the administration’s strategy to end the conflict,” he said. “All the options are on the table. Treasury is ready to take action to facilitate a durable and lasting peace.”
Asked by Fitzpatrick whether the Office of Foreign Assets Control needs additional resources to implement Russia sanctions, Bessent replied, “We have all the resources that we need.”