The U.S. Senate is rolling out a bold new bill aimed squarely at countries still doing business with Putin’s energy empire. It would slap a whopping 500% tariff on imports from any nation that continues buying Russian oil, gas, or uranium. The goal? Hit Vladimir Putin where it counts: in the pocketbook. And let’s be honest: the man has more than earned it.

Now look, as an independent Christian conservative, I’m no fan of tariffs for the sake of politics. I believe in limited government, free markets, and respecting constitutional guardrails. But I also believe in justice, righteousness, and the duty to stand firm against tyranny—especially when that tyranny bankrolls a brutal war machine.

What the Sanctions Would Actually Do

The bipartisan legislation, spearheaded by Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal, is not just another symbolic gesture, it’s a full-throttle economic warning shot to the rest of the world. At the heart of the bill is the proposed 500% tariff on American imports from any country that continues to prop up the Russian economy by purchasing its fossil fuels or uranium. This isn’t just about wagging fingers at China or India; it’s about putting real consequences on the table for enabling a regime that’s knee-deep in blood and aggression.

More than just economic pressure, the bill is a strategic attempt to isolate Russia by cutting off its most crucial source of revenue. Energy exports are the financial fuel behind Putin’s military machine. By targeting nations that keep buying from Russia, this legislation aims to turn off the spigot that funds tanks, missiles, and the persecution of innocent civilians.

And in a nod to presidential authority and diplomatic flexibility, the bill includes a waiver clause. President Trump would have the ability to delay the tariff for up to 180 days if needed for national interest or strategic reasons. He could even apply for a second extension, though that one would require congressional approval. That’s a solid safeguard to keep both the executive and legislative branches accountable without tying the president’s hands in the middle of a global chess game.

This legislation combines Reagan-style boldness with a good dose of modern realism. It’s not about throwing a tantrum on the world stage; it’s about drawing a clear moral line and making sure our so-called “partners” don’t keep doing business with evil and expect a free pass from us.

Why Support the Sanctions?

A Biblical Mandate to Confront Evil

As Christians, we don’t just shrug our shoulders when evil runs rampant; we speak out, we stand firm, and we act. Romans 13:4 reminds us that civil government is “the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.” That’s not flowery language; it’s a clear biblical endorsement of righteous justice through earthly authority. Vladimir Putin’s regime has unleashed hellish cruelty in Ukraine: civilians targeted, churches desecrated, families torn apart by violence. This isn’t just a geopolitical conflict; it’s a moral crisis. And while America can’t be the world’s policeman, we are called to use the influence we have to resist evil where it’s within our reach. To do nothing in the face of this wickedness would be an abdication of both moral responsibility and God-given authority.

A Rare and Telling Show of Unity

These days, getting Democrats and Republicans to agree on anything is like trying to herd cats in a thunderstorm. But this sanctions bill? It has brought over 80 senators—yes, from both sides of the aisle—into lockstep. When seasoned conservatives like John Thune and John Cornyn line up alongside folks like Richard Blumenthal, it signals more than just consensus. It’s a red flag that the threat we’re dealing with is real, dangerous, and beyond partisan games. Sure, bipartisanship by itself doesn’t make a policy wise, but in this case, it shows that the facts on the ground are too urgent to ignore. Even in a divided Washington, the moral clarity of confronting Russian aggression has managed to pierce through the noise.

Economic Pressure That Gets Results

No, sanctions won’t magically end the war. But let’s not pretend they don’t work. Russia’s economy runs on oil, gas, and uranium. Without the cash flow from global buyers, the Kremlin will start to feel the squeeze, and fast. That means fewer missiles, fewer tanks, and less capacity to wage war. It’s not about virtue signaling; it’s about strategic suffocation. Cut off the financial oxygen, and you make it harder for evil to breathe. It’s both a practical move and a moral one, aligning our economic tools with our values. And if we can do that without sending a single American soldier into harm’s way? That’s not just smart; that’s stewardship.

Why Some Conservatives Are Wary

Protecting Executive Authority

One of the more serious concerns among constitutional conservatives—and rightly so—is the potential overreach into executive power. President Trump’s administration has raised the alarm that the waiver provision, while seemingly flexible, comes with enough congressional strings to limit effective diplomacy. The Constitution grants the president significant leeway in foreign affairs, precisely because international crises require swift and unified action. If Congress starts handcuffing the White House with rigid mandates or overly restrictive oversight, we risk undermining the very office that’s best equipped to respond in real time. Yes, accountability is essential but so is maintaining the balance of power our Founders fought so hard to establish. We don’t want a president playing chess with foreign tyrants while Congress keeps moving the pieces behind his back.

Economic Blowback Is No Small Matter

We’re not just playing with spreadsheets here; this bill could directly affect working families and small businesses. A 500% tariff, even if targeted, isn’t a surgical strike. It could trigger retaliatory tariffs, upend supply chains, and spike prices on everyday goods. If India, Brazil, or other allies feel squeezed, they might hit back in ways that ripple through our economy. That means higher energy costs, pricier groceries, and added strain on industries already stretched thin. As Christians, we’re told to “count the cost” (Luke 14:28), and this is one of those policies that could come with hidden bills. Economic justice isn’t just about punishing the wicked; it’s about making sure we don’t hurt our own in the process.

Principle vs. Performance

There’s also the concern—voiced by some conservatives—that this bill may be more about political grandstanding than principled policy. It’s easy to score points by bashing Putin or waving a moral flag in front of cameras, but if those actions don’t lead to real results, we’re just wasting time and playing to the crowd. Conservatives have seen this movie before: rhetoric-heavy, result-light policymaking that feels good but does little. For sanctions to be truly righteous, they must be part of a coherent strategy: one that defines goals, measures outcomes, and includes an off-ramp for peace. Without that, even the most well-intentioned pressure risks becoming nothing more than noise.

In short, these concerns don’t disqualify the bill, but they should push us to scrutinize it. A conservative approach demands both courage and caution. Bold action, yes, but always with eyes wide open.

Conclusion: Sanction with Righteous Resolve but Lead with Wisdom

As a Christian and a conservative, I reject the false choice between moral leadership and national interest. We are not isolationists; we’re realists with a backbone and a Bible. We understand the world is fallen, tyrants don’t take holidays, and sometimes the righteous path requires courage, not comfort. That’s why these sanctions deserve our support, but only if we wield them with wisdom, not just wrath.

First, yes, the sanctions should pass. Not out of vengeance, but out of moral clarity. If the United States, a nation uniquely blessed by God and founded on timeless truths, won’t stand up to a regime that bombs churches and slaughters families, then who will? Our strength isn’t just in our economy or military; it’s in our willingness to call evil what it is and confront it head-on.

Second, the waiver is not a loophole; it’s a lifeline. President Trump must have the flexibility to act in America’s best interest without being bogged down by bureaucratic red tape. At the same time, Congress must be able to ensure that power is used wisely. This isn’t a turf war between branches; it’s a necessary balance of accountability and agility.

Third, we cannot sacrifice the American people on the altar of foreign policy. If these sanctions cause energy prices to spike or strain our economy, we need immediate countermeasures: unleash domestic energy production, cut taxes, and relieve the burden on working families. The goal is not to punish Russia while punishing ourselves; it’s to uphold justice without abandoning stewardship.

No bill is flawless. But the intent behind this one is both righteous and reasonable. It’s not about looking tough; it’s about being principled. Proverbs 21:15 puts it perfectly: “It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.” That’s our standard: not what the media says, not what global elites demand, but what Scripture affirms.

So yes, let’s sanction the serpent. Let’s drain the financial lifeblood from evil, stand with the oppressed, and pray that this pressure brings peace.