Washington, D.C. – Upon his return from a trip to Ukraine, U.S. Representative Michael Turner (OH-10) called upon House Speaker Johnson to bring H.R. 2548, the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, to the House floor for immediate consideration. Congressman Turner led a critical bipartisan Congressional Delegation to Ukraine, Poland, and Germany, where he received briefings and on the ground reports of the devastating impact of Russia's war on Ukraine and its broader implications for NATO and European security. The urgency of this legislation cannot be overstated, as Russia's recent provocations, including drone incursions into Polish and Romanian airspace and fighter jet violations of Estonian airspace, demonstrate a clear and present threat to NATO and the stability of the region.
Congressman Turner said, "Having just returned from Ukraine, I write to unequivocally urge that H.R. 2548, the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, be scheduled for immediate floor consideration. Enacting this legislation would not only cement bipartisan unity but also provide the legal force and strategic clarity to backstop the President's policy and ensure that the United States leads with strength against Russia's unlawful war." Congressman Turner calls upon Speaker Johnson to prioritize H.R. 2548 without delay, emphasizing the need for the United States to take decisive action in the face of Russian aggression. “By passing this bill, Congress can demonstrate its unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine, strengthening NATO, and upholding the principles of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law across Europe,” said Turner.
H.R. 2548 is a comprehensive bill designed to confront Russian aggression head-on by imposing crippling economic and financial sanctions on Russian officials, oligarchs, state-backed institutions, and the enablers who finance Putin's unlawful war. The legislation also includes severe tariffs and trade penalties, such as a ban on uranium and energy imports from Russia, and the authority to penalize any trading partner that attempts to weaken or evade these sanctions. Additionally, the bill contains automatic triggering measures to ensure a swift response to any further Russian hostility, including the rejection of peace negotiations, violations of agreements, or new invasions.
President Donald J. Trump has been a vocal advocate for increased economic pressure on Russia to end its invasion of Ukraine. He has stressed that U.S. and allied sanctions are crucial in forcing Putin to the negotiating table and has pledged NATO- and EU-funded U.S.-made Patriot missile systems to bolster Ukraine's defenses. President Trump continues to work closely with NATO and EU partners to advance a coordinated sanctions strategy aimed at crippling Russian oil exports and war financing.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has commended this approach, emphasizing the importance of unrelenting allied economic pressure in breaking Moscow's intransigence.
Read the full letter here.