The Senate is advancing efforts to impose sanctions on Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin, and Iran with a significant bipartisan vote. This step, while not final, moves forward a sanctions package initially championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, now called the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act. The Senate aims to finalize the bill next week, pausing until the House reconvenes from its August recess.
Senator Graham’s legacy continues as legislators seek to honor him posthumously through this bill. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., noted it might be Graham’s greatest achievement in his three-decade career. The legislation aims to weaken Putin’s war capabilities in Ukraine while targeting Iran’s weapons and energy sectors to encourage peace in the Middle East.
Key parts of the bill include imposing up to 500% tariffs on Russian imports, 100% tariffs on nations purchasing Russian energy, and providing President Donald Trump the discretion to adjust sanctions. Some Democrats express concern about affording tariff authority to Trump but emphasize the bill’s focus on pressuring Russia. In a significant move, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a close ally of Graham, was engaged to sway skeptical Democrats.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., addressed the discomfort with Trump’s tariff usage, emphasizing that the bill’s tariffs are designed specifically to counteract Russian aggression. She stated the necessity of targeted action against Russia’s supporters.
The legislation aims to send a decisive message to Putin about the futility of prolonging the conflict in Ukraine. Senator Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., articulated this stance by warning Putin of the imminent consequences for Russia if the war continues.
Alex Miller reports for Fox News Digital, covering Senate activities.