The Senate has progressed in imposing sanctions on Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin, and Iran, gaining bipartisan support. Although not the final vote, this step is significant in forwarding a sanctions package once backed by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. The Senate aims to finalize the package, renamed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, by next week. The legislation will then pause until the House resumes work after August.
‘A BIG EFFING DEAL’: GRAHAM’S FINAL MISSION MOVES FORWARD AFTER HIS DEATH
Sen. Lindsey Graham attended his final event, President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, before his return to South Carolina for his funeral.
Lawmakers express optimism about passing the bill to honor Graham’s legislative legacy, noted for a 32-year career. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., remarked that this might be Graham’s greatest achievement. The bill, revised over time, targets undermining Putin’s military capabilities in Ukraine, while reintroducing sanctions on Iran’s weapon and energy sectors to encourage peace in the Middle East.
PUTIN, RUSSIA PUT ON NOTICE AS SENATE TAKES CRUCIAL STEP TO GRIND DOWN THE KREMLIN’S WAR MACHINE
The legislation proposes significant tariffs, up to 500% on Russian imports and 100% on nations purchasing Russian energy, such as China and India. It grants President Donald Trump flexibility within the sanctions.
Some Democrats are uneasy about Trump’s tariff authority, following his usage of duties in his second term. To gain support, proponents enlisted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a Graham ally, to persuade skeptical Democrats.
LINDSEY GRAHAM’S FINAL MISSION NEARS FINISH LINE AS WORLD LEADERS GATHER TO HONOR HIM
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., acknowledged concerns over tariff authority, noting Trump’s past indiscriminate use. However, Congress directs these tariffs solely to pressure Putin and end the war in Ukraine, focusing narrowly on those aiding Russia.
The legislation aims to deliver a clear message to Putin and the Kremlin amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., emphasized that it warns Putin about the futility of continued warfare and the benefits of negotiating peace.
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