Rep. Smith Statement on Executive Order Waiving Russian Sanctions

October 19, 2026 Press Release "Last night, President Trump signed an executive order waiving sanctions on Russia mandated by Congress in the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, just two days before the law was set to take effect. By waiving these sanctions, President Trump is yet again siding with his dictator friend Putin and leaving President Zelensky and the Ukrainian people to fend for themselves. "Donald Trump’s pro-Russia platform undermines global stability and is not in the interests of the United States. Over the past two weeks alone, Trump cut an illegal diesel deal with Putin that will do nothing to rein in sky-high diesel prices that are a result of the administration’s war in Iran, falsely claimed he achieved an energy ceasefire, and refused to provide transparency regarding restrictions on Starshield. Trump continually shows he would prefer to support an authoritarian regime over a democratic country. "Trump is not operating in reality. Congress must reassert its authority, pass a sanctions bill that will actually support Ukraine, make it clear Trump is not above the law, and stop the President from running this country into the ground." ### Issues : International Leadership and Foreign Affairs