In a significant bipartisan move, the Senate has taken steps towards imposing sanctions on Russian President Vladimir Putin, his administration, and Iran. This recent action, while not the final vote, marks a noteworthy progress on a sanctions package long advocated by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham.
The Senate is aiming to finalize the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctions Act by next week. If approved, the bill would likely be paused momentarily until the House reconvenes after its August recess.
Despite some challenges ahead, lawmakers feel optimistic about the bill’s passage, believing it to be a fitting tribute to Graham, who returned home to South Carolina for his funeral on Wednesday.
Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi) remarked, “This may be the greatest legislative accomplishment of Lindsey Graham’s illustrious 32-year career.”
The bill, which has undergone several amendments, aims to cripple Putin’s military efforts amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict, while also reinstating sanctions on Iran’s weapon and energy sectors to foster a meaningful peace agreement.
A critical aspect of the legislation includes the ability to impose tariffs as high as 500% on Russian imports and 100% on countries buying Russian energy, like China and India. This gives President Trump flexibility in deciding when to lift certain sanctions.
Some Democrats have voiced concerns that granting Trump such tariff powers might unsettle their ranks, especially given the frustrations over his past actions during his second term.
Supporters of the bill have sought to rally Democratic skepticism, notably from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, a close Graham ally, to secure a crucial vote.
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) acknowledged on the Senate floor that there are worries among customs officials. She reflected, “President Trump is known for applying tariffs indiscriminately against his allies. I share those concerns.” However, she stressed that this bill targets tariffs with a clear purpose: to exert pressure on President Putin and to put an end to the unjust war in Ukraine, focusing on the worst offenders supporting Russia.
Ultimately, the legislation aims to convey a stern message to Putin and the Kremlin as tensions rise. “This bill tells President Vladimir Putin, ‘Your days of war are over. You’re on the losing side. It’s better to come to the table now than to sacrifice more lives, waste more money, ravage our economy, and destroy our standing in the world,’” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.
