A bipartisan bill aimed at penalizing Russia for election interference and other aggressive actions has stalled in the Senate due to a dispute over President Trump’s tariff authority. The legislation, championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, sought to impose sanctions on Russia for its involvement in the 2016 U.S. election and for its cyberattacks.

However, a provision granting President Trump the power to impose tariffs on national security grounds has become a major sticking point. Senate Republicans, particularly those aligned with the President, have pushed for this expanded tariff power, while Democrats and some moderate Republicans are wary of granting the executive branch such broad authority. This disagreement has paralyzed negotiations, preventing the bill from moving forward.

The bill also includes provisions to increase transparency regarding foreign influence operations and to strengthen U.S. cybersecurity defenses. The delay underscores the deep partisan divisions in Congress and the challenges in forging consensus on foreign policy, even when faced with perceived threats from adversaries like Russia. The fate of the sanctions package now hinges on whether a compromise can be reached regarding the controversial tariff provision, with $10 billion in potential tariffs at stake.