The Senate has taken a significant step toward enacting a bipartisan sanctions package aimed at pressuring Russia and Iran. The legislation, now called the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, advanced through a procedural vote, moving closer to final passage.
The bill's proponents hope to complete work on the package by next week. Should it pass the Senate, it will then be sent to the House of Representatives, which is currently in recess until August.
Lawmakers expressed confidence in overcoming the remaining legislative hurdles, viewing the passage of the bill as a fitting tribute to the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who championed the sanctions effort. "This may turn out to be Lindsey Graham's greatest legislative achievement in a stellar 32-year career," stated Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss.
The core objective of the legislation remains to disrupt Russian President Vladimir Putin's war efforts in Ukraine. The bill proposes substantial tariffs, including up to 500% on Russian imports and up to 100% on countries that purchase Russian energy, such as China and India. It also reintroduces sanctions targeting Iran's weapons and energy sectors, with the goal of encouraging a lasting peace agreement.
The package grants President Donald Trump flexibility regarding the implementation of certain sanctions. Some Democrats have voiced concerns about granting the president tariff authority, referencing past criticisms of his trade policies. However, supporters argue that congressional direction for these tariffs is narrowly focused on increasing pressure on Putin and ending the conflict in Ukraine.
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., acknowledged these concerns on the Senate floor, stating, "They say that President Trump has used tariffs indiscriminately to target our closest allies. Well, I agree. But in the case of this bill, Congress is explicitly directing these tariffs for one unambiguous purpose: to increase the pressure on Vladimir Putin and end his unprovoked war against Ukraine."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, an ally of Graham's, was reportedly involved in advocating for the package to secure key votes. Supporters believe the bill sends a clear message to Putin.
"This bill says to Vladimir Putin, ‘Your days of war are numbered. You are on the losing side. Better to come to the table now than sacrifice more lives, waste more money, crater your economy, destroy your standing in the world,’" said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.