Former Vice President Mike Pence is urging Congress to pass the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, legislation championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham that aims to cut off funding for Russia's war in Ukraine. Pence framed the bill as a crucial step to honor Graham's legacy and deter future aggression by authoritarian regimes.
Pence detailed the bill's objectives, stating it would impose mandatory sanctions on Russian leadership, financial institutions, state-owned energy companies, and entities involved in sanctions evasion. The legislation specifically targets Russia's "shadow fleet" of oil tankers, tightens financial and export controls, and uses tariffs to pressure countries purchasing Russian energy. The bill includes a provision to preserve presidential waiver authority when deemed in the U.S. national interest.
According to Pence, the current sanctions have not been sufficient to alter Russian President Vladimir Putin's actions. Russia has adapted by utilizing a shadow fleet for oil transport and relying on foreign companies to maintain its defense industry. Pence argued that passing Graham's legislation would deny Putin the financial and technological resources fueling the conflict and could push him toward negotiations.
Graham, a long-serving Republican from South Carolina, dedicated significant effort to developing this legislation. Pence noted that Graham understood that "half-measures would never change Vladimir Putin’s calculations." The former Vice President emphasized that Graham's efforts to confront Putin and support Ukraine represented a commitment to American strength and leadership on the global stage.
Pence also referenced Senator Graham's final public acts, including a trip to Kyiv to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Graham believed the sanctions bill would be instrumental in bringing about an end to the war. Pence concluded that the most meaningful tribute to Graham would be for Congress to pass the sanctions bill and complete his legislative mission.