Capitol News

Congressman Tom Barrett from Michigan's 7th District has announced his support for new sanctions against Russia in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He is cosponsoring H.R. 4346, known as the Preventing the Escalation of Armed Conflict in Europe (PEACE) Act. This legislation aims to impose sanctions on foreign institutions that support Russia's energy sector and contribute to the violence in Ukraine.

"Vladimir Putin’s unjust aggression against Ukraine has gone unchecked for too long," said Barrett. "President Trump has made it clear that it’s time for this war to end, and I stand ready to do my part in bringing Russia to the negotiating table and delivering a durable peace to the region."

The PEACE Act seeks to provide the Treasury Department with expanded authority to block U.S. access for any foreign bank doing business with sanctioned Russian entities or involved in Russia's energy sector. The sanction authority would expire five years after enactment or 30 days after Russia ceases its destabilizing actions in Ukraine.

Earlier this year, Barrett was involved in leading H.R. 2548, the Sanctioning Russia Act, which proposed significant sanctions against Russia and entities supporting its military efforts against Ukraine. This bill included a 500 percent tariff on imports from Russia and countries purchasing Russian oil, uranium, or petroleum products.

Recently, President Donald Trump reiterated his commitment to achieving peace between Russia and Ukraine. He announced plans for new weapons sales to allies, including arms for Ukraine, and pledged further sanctions on Russia if no peace agreement is reached within 50 days.