As Washington prepares to honor the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, his final legislative initiative, a package of sanctions against Russia, is nearing a crucial Senate vote. Funeral services for Graham, who died earlier this month at age 71, are scheduled to begin Tuesday in Washington.
Leaders from Israel and Ukraine, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, are expected to attend the services in the U.S. Capitol and at the National Cathedral, underscoring Graham's impact on foreign policy and national security. Zelenskyy is also slated to speak with lawmakers Tuesday morning regarding the sanctions package.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., described the sanctions bill as a "big effing deal" and among Graham's last significant legislative priorities. He expressed pride in partnering with Graham on the effort, noting that the bill has been revamped and renamed in tribute to the late senator.
"It's a huge achievement for him," Blumenthal stated. "And I'm very proud to be, you know, his partner in that effort."
The legislation, which Graham's sister and newly appointed Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., has helped advance, aims to impose "bone-crushing sanctions" on Russia in response to its ongoing war in Ukraine. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has teed up the package, which now includes sanctions against Iran, for a vote. Lawmakers are expected to vote on a key procedural hurdle Tuesday night, following Graham's service at the National Cathedral.
Thune indicated that he has discussed the package with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and anticipates bipartisan support. "I hope to, you know, the motion to get on it will be a very big bipartisan vote," Thune said. "And if it is, I think that will at least set up a path to get it done."
The core components of the bill include sanctions on Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russian officials, and military leaders, alongside tariffs of up to 500% on Russian imports and up to 100% on countries purchasing Russian energy, such as China and India. The legislation also grants flexibility to former President Donald Trump regarding the timing of certain sanction waivers.
Key amendments to the current proposal incorporate a "national interest certification" for Trump's sanction waiver authority and sanctions targeting the vessels constituting Russia's "shadow fleet" that transport energy exports covertly. Passing this sanctions package would serve as a significant testament to Graham's career in Washington, according to Blumenthal.
Rep. William Timmons, R-S.C., a close friend of Graham's, recalled the senator's unwavering focus on public service, whether in the military or in Congress. "He was very much singularly focused on public service, whether it was the military or in Congress or as a senator," Timmons said. "It literally was his entire life."