House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) said the possibility of placing new sanctions on Russia’s energy is necessary for the United States to “act tough” against “bully” Russian President Vladimir Putin. 

Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) recently introduced legislation proposing new sanctions on Russia in a bid to get the country to end its war with Ukraine. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) said he hopes to bring this bill for a floor vote before the Senate’s recess in August.