Hoyer Statement on Trump's Executive Order to Waive Sanctions Against Russia

October 18, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, DC –  Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement after President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order to pause the new sanctions on Russia that were included in the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026: “The decision by President Trump to exempt Russia from energy sanctions is a betrayal of the bipartisan will of Congress - and of the American people - and a betrayal of his own action to impose tough sanctions on Russia just a month ago. Vladimir Putin must be ecstatic. The President has made America an ally of Russia in its battle against democracy. How shameful. “The late Sen. Lindsay Graham, who called President Trump a friend and who worked tirelessly to build consensus around tough sanctions against Russia’s energy sector, would be livid at this development. All Americans should be ashamed at what this President has done, selling out our commitment to democracy and international law. “Because of the President’s decision, heroic Ukrainian men and women fighting for sovereignty, freedom, democracy will die. Innocent civilians will die. President Trump’s action will only prolong this war and reward the criminal invader.”