Congressman Castro Statement on Russia Sanctions Bill

September 16, 2026 Congressman Castro Statement on Russia Sanctions Bill WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released the following statement on the Lindsey O. Graham Russia and Iran Act of 2026 (H.R. 5334): “For four and a half years, the Ukrainian people have bravely defended their homeland against Russia’s invasion of their country and attempts to wipe them out. Tens of thousands of Ukrainians have lost their lives defending their homeland. Families and communities have been devastated, and tens of thousands of Ukrainian children have been kidnapped by Russia. The Ukrainian people are fighting a war of self-defense and deserve our support. “As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and House Intelligence Committee, I have consistently voted to support the Ukrainian people in their efforts to defend their country and way of life. I have condemned Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, led efforts to isolate Russia from international organizations, and consistently voted to provide Ukraine with the resources and defense equipment it needs to defend itself. “While I strongly support the Ukrainian people, I was unable to vote for the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, a bill that would provide President Trump with broad authority to raise taxes on Americans through tariffs without clear safeguards to prevent the abuse of this authority. “President Trump has never demonstrated that he is a friend to the Ukrainian people, from his efforts to extort President Zelenskyy during his first term to his recent statements blaming Ukraine – and not his own war in Iran – for rising gas prices. Despite already having authorities to impose sanctions and tariffs on Russia, he has refused to do so, preferring to praise Vladimir Putin and criticize Ukrainians. “I support many of the provisions in this bill, including financial sanctions on Russian officials and financial institutions, and restrictions on investing in Russia, and would support the legislation if it did not include language granting President Trump broad authority to increase taxes through the use of tariffs. “I have serious concerns that he would abuse the tariff authorities that this bill provides to pursue his own agenda and not use them in a way that would put pressure on those who buy Russian oil. His abuse of these authorities would be counterproductive not only for the United States but also the Ukrainian people, who deserve better. I will continue to support the Ukrainian people as they continue to defend their homeland.” Print Email Tweet