According to a tweet posted by clashreport, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz publicly criticized the sanctions waivers against Russia as a "huge mistake," arguing that the move only benefits Putin. In response, Rubio pointed out that these sanctions are not aimed solely at Russia, but also include tariff measures targeting multiple countries or sectors.
On September 28, 2026, the U.S. Senate passed the Falun Gong and Victims of Forced Organ Harvesting Protection Act (S.4009), a bipartisan bill introduced by Senators Ted Cruz and Jeff Merkley, by unanimous consent. The bill requires the U.S. President to impose sanctions on foreign individuals who knowingly participate in, assist, or support China's forced organ harvesting, including freezing their U.S. assets, prohibiting transactions, and revoking or denying visas; it directs the Secretary of State to assess whether the Chinese government is systematically engaged in forced organ harvesting and to submit a special report to Congress; and it extends protections to Falun Gong practitioners, Uyghurs, and other prisoners of conscience. The bill was subsequently sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.