Congress outraged by Trump's Russian sanctions waiver, but no quick response planned

President Donald Trump waived sanctions on Russia days before they were set to take effect, drawing bipartisan outrage from Congress, which had overwhelmingly passed the legislation to pressure Moscow over its war in Ukraine. Lawmakers from both parties condemned the move as capitulation to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The sanctions, part of the Lindsey Graham Russian Sanctions Act, were scheduled to take effect Sunday and target Russia's economy, including tariffs on countries importing Russian oil. Trump cited national security concerns, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested a 60-day review period. Congress is on recess until after Election Day, leaving no immediate path to challenge the decision. Trump recently announced a diesel deal with Putin to import Russian energy, aiming to curb high U.S. gas prices ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections. Lawmakers, including Sen. Rick Scott and Rep. Gregory Meeks, pledged to fight the deal, with Meeks introducing legislation to block it. Sen. Lindsey Graham's sister, Darline Graham, who now holds his seat, said she would personally keep pressure on Russia.