Republican congressional leaders signaled growing momentum for sweeping new sanctions on Russia, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson both endorsing legislation designed to tighten economic pressure on President Vladimir Putin. The measure, drafted by Sen. Lindsey Graham and backed by roughly 80 bipartisan Senate cosponsors, would levy a 500% tariff on nations that continue purchasing Russian oil, gas or uranium—revenue streams that lawmakers say finance Moscow’s war in Ukraine. Thune said he aims to bring the bill to a vote in the Senate "soon," potentially before the chamber’s August recess. Johnson told reporters he is "open" to advancing the package in the House, arguing that Congress must "send [Putin] a message" after the Kremlin showed no interest in meaningful peace talks.