The Senate has passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, a significant package of sanctions aimed at crippling Russia's ability to fund its war in Ukraine. The bill, named in honor of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, cleared the Senate with broad bipartisan support and now moves to the House of Representatives. It also carries the backing of former President Donald Trump.
The legislation comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy personally lobbied lawmakers in Washington last week. During a memorial service for Graham, senators invoked his name and the bill's purpose.
Targeting Russian Revenue Streams
The core of the bill focuses on disrupting Russia's primary source of income: its oil and gas sales. It includes provisions for tariffs of up to 500% on Russian imports and penalties on the top five countries purchasing Russian energy, such as China and India. The bill also extends sanction authority against Iran, impacting its weapons and energy sectors.
Overcoming Legislative Hurdles
The inclusion of tariff authority had presented a potential obstacle. Senators Rand Paul, R-Ky., and Ron Wyden, D-Ore., initially raised concerns, with Paul arguing that tariffs on countries cooperating with Russia could inadvertently push them closer together. However, Senator Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., ultimately withdrew his objection after receiving assurances that the Trump administration's tariff authority would be limited to the top five energy purchasers from Russia.
The bill aims to provide President Trump with flexibility regarding the implementation and eventual removal of certain sanctions. The passage marks the culmination of a more than year-long legislative effort, fulfilling what supporters describe as one of Senator Graham's final legislative priorities.