Rep. French Hill Seeks Classified Briefing on Russia Sanctions Waiver

U.S. Rep. French Hill (R-Arkansas) is requesting a classified briefing to explain President Donald Trump’s decision to waive sanctions against Russia just days before they were set to take effect. Hill, who represents Arkansas’ 2nd Congressional District, announced his request on Saturday after Trump signed an executive order delaying the sanctions, which were part of legislation the president signed last month.

The sanctions, known as the Graham sanctions, were named after the late U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and were designed to increase economic pressure on Russia in response to its ongoing war in Ukraine. Hill criticized Trump’s decision in an X post, writing, “We should be increasing economic pressure on Russia, not easing up. We need to use every tool at our disposal, including fully implementing the Graham sanctions and my REPO Act, to squeeze Putin until he ends his illegal and barbaric war in Ukraine.”

Hill, who chairs the U.S. House Financial Services Committee, was a leading sponsor of the Rebuilding Prosperity and Opportunity for Ukrainians Act, or REPO Act. The 2024 law mandates the seizure of Russian sovereign assets held in the United States to support Ukraine’s recovery efforts.

Lawmakers from both parties, including Hill, have criticized Trump’s decision to waive the sanctions. Additionally, Hill has voiced opposition to Trump’s plan to purchase diesel fuel from Russia, which the president announced as a measure to address high fuel prices in the U.S.

Hill is seeking reelection this year, facing a challenge from Democrat Chris Jones. The Democrat-aligned Congressional Campaign Committee has targeted Arkansas’ 2nd District in its “Red to Blue” program, aiming to flip seats currently held by Republicans. Recent race assessments by the Cook Political Report and Larry Sabato have shifted the district from “safely Republican” to “likely Republican.”

Hill was first elected to Congress in 2014 and has been a prominent advocate for policies aimed at supporting Ukraine and countering Russian aggression.