Former Vice President Mike Pence is advocating for Congress to rename the bipartisan Russia sanctions legislation championed by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., stating it would be a "fitting tribute" to the senator's legacy.
Pence told Fox News Digital that Graham, a prominent national security hawk, dedicated years to advocating for tougher sanctions against Russia and consistently supported Ukraine and U.S. allies. Naming the bill after Graham would serve as a permanent reminder of his commitment, Pence suggested.
"I also believe it'd be altogether fitting to put Senator Lindsey Graham's name on that bill," Pence said. "Send it to the President, have him sign it into law."
Pence described Graham's view that Russia's invasion of Ukraine was a defining geopolitical challenge and that economic pressure was crucial to compelling Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate. "He never had any illusions about who we were dealing with — with Vladimir Putin," Pence stated.
Pence, who has visited Ukraine twice since the invasion, noted Graham's consistent belief that Ukraine represented "a frontier of freedom" and his persistent urging for administrations to stand firm with American allies. Pence added that the sanctions package could become Graham's most significant legislative achievement.
The former vice president also highlighted Graham's decades of advocacy for Israel, a stronger NATO alliance, and increased defense spending among NATO allies, particularly during the Trump administration.
Pence recounted one of his final conversations with Graham at Reagan National Airport, where the senator, after inquiring about Pence's family, immediately shifted the discussion to Ukraine sanctions. Graham emphasized the importance of the sanctions, telling Pence, "You just stay on this. This is the way we're gonna get this done. This is the way you bring Putin to the table."
Recalling the encounter, Pence characterized Graham as a "very serious legislator" deeply committed to policy, whose convictions on issues like supporting the military, standing with Israel, protecting unborn life, and confronting authoritarian regimes remained unwavering.
Pence, who knew Graham since the 1990s and served with him in Congress and the Trump administration, expressed deep sadness over his death. He hopes lawmakers will complete the work Graham dedicated years to advancing, calling the passage and signing of the sanctions bill "no more fitting tribute to the life and vision of Senator Lindsey Graham."