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Defense Secretary Fights Sanctions as Senators Push Back

6/13/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stood firm against bipartisan calls for tougher sanctions on Russia during a Senate hearing, pushing for a cease-fire instead. Meanwhile, Senators Graham and Blumenthal rallied support for a bill with 82 co-sponsors aimed at penalizing Russia and its allies, while the White House seeks to enhance presidential authority in enforcement.

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Story summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stood firm against bipartisan calls for tougher sanctions on Russia during a Senate hearing, pushing for a cease-fire instead. Meanwhile, Senators Graham and Blumenthal rallied support for a bill with 82 co-sponsors aimed at penalizing Russia and its allies, while the White House seeks to enhance presidential authority in enforcement.