Trump pledges increased spending for Republicans after France, Europe unrest

DES MOINES, Iowa — Two additional Republicans are urging President Donald Trump to utilize a bipartisan law to impose penalties on Russia, aligning themselves with a growing group of lawmakers who disagree with his decision to waive sanctions aimed at compelling Moscow to cease its conflict in Ukraine. Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., told Semafor, "It is my belief that we need to use economic firepower to help drive [Russian President Vladimir] Putin to the table.

I believe that Russia is at the darkest point that they've been at in this entire war, and now is the time for us to turn up the pressure." Britt was campaigning alongside Senate candidate Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, who also expressed similar doubts about Trump's engagement with Putin. "I don't think we need to be making any more deals with Russia," Hinson stated.

Trump has justified waiving sanctions to maintain Russia at the negotiation table. White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers argued that "enforcing the sanctions provisions now would impede ongoing US efforts to negotiate a durable and comprehensive peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia." Rogers added, "The President retains the ability to exercise these authorities at any time if he determines that doing so would advance national interests."

Hinson indicated she plans to campaign with Trump on Thursday, potentially bringing up the subject of Russia sanctions.