Senate passes Russia sanctions bill that was long championed by Lindsey Graham
The U.S. Senate has passed a bipartisan bill imposing new sanctions on Russia, targeting its energy sector and those who purchase its oil and gas. The legislation, named in honor of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, now moves to the House for a vote.
Why it matters
The bill represents a significant escalation in economic pressure on Russia and grants the President new authority to impose tariffs, potentially impacting global energy markets and relations with major importers like China and India.
The GOP-led Senate has passed a bipartisan Russia sanctions bill, legislation that was led by South Carolina Republican Lindsey Graham before his unexpected death last month at the age of 71.
The bill, which passed Friday by a vote of 86 to 11, is designed to stifle the Russian economy and bring an end to a war that started in 2022 when President Vladimir Putin launched an invasion of Ukraine that has since cost thousands of civilian lives.
The plan would sanction top Russian leaders and introduce harsh new penalties on nations that purchase oil and natural gas from Russia. It gives President Trump the ability to issue tariffs on these importers — up to 100% for major buyers of Russian energy, such as China and India. In addition, the bill extends sanctions against Iran.
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