Senate Passes Lindsey Graham’s Sweeping Russia Sanctions Bill in 86-11 Vote/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ The Senate voted 86-11 to approve a sweeping sanctions package designed to reduce the revenue Russia uses to finance its war against Ukraine. The bipartisan bill resulted from a year-long effort led by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham and Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal. Trump has signaled support, increasing pressure on the House to pass the legislation and send it to the White House.
Quick Look
- The Senate approved the Russia sanctions bill 86-11.
- The legislation received broad bipartisan support.
- The late Sen. Lindsey Graham led a year-long effort to negotiate it.
- Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal worked with Graham.
- The bill would penalize countries that continue buying Russian exports.
- Targeted exports include Russian oil and natural gas.
- The goal is to reduce revenue funding Russia’s war in Ukraine.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently visited the Capitol.
- Zelenskyy met senators from both parties after Graham’s funeral.
- He watched the Senate’s initial procedural votes from the gallery.
- The legislation is the Senate’s strongest Russia action of Trump’s second term.
- The war has continued for more than four years.
- Congress has struggled to maintain funding and weapons supplies for Ukraine.
- Trump has indicated support for the sanctions package.
- The House must approve the bill before it reaches Trump.
Deep Look
Senate Passes Russia Sanctions Bill
WASHINGTON — The Senate overwhelmingly approved a broad sanctions package targeting Russia and countries that continue purchasing its exports.
The bipartisan legislation passed Friday in an 86-11 vote.
Supporters designed the measure to reduce the revenue Russian President Vladimir Putin uses to finance the continuing war against Ukraine.
Bill Represents Graham’s Final Major Effort
The legislation resulted from a year-long campaign led by the late Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.
Graham worked to strengthen U.S. support for Ukraine and increase economic pressure on Putin.
His death came before the Senate completed work on one of his most significant foreign policy initiatives.
Sanctions Target Russian Energy Customers
The bill would penalize countries that continue purchasing Russian oil, natural gas and other exports.
Those sales provide Moscow with revenue that helps sustain its military operations.
Supporters hope secondary sanctions against Russia’s trading partners will force governments and businesses to reduce those purchases.
Zelenskyy Visits Capitol After Graham’s Funeral
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the U.S. Capitol shortly after attending Graham’s funeral.
He met Republican and Democratic senators to advocate continued American support for Ukraine.
Zelenskyy then watched from the Senate gallery as lawmakers conducted the first procedural votes on the sanctions package.
Blumenthal Honors Graham
Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut worked with Graham to develop the legislation.
“Today, President Zelenskyy is watching from Ukraine — and Putin is watching from Moscow,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., who had worked with the late South Carolina senator on the package.
Blumenthal also used the Senate vote to honor his late Republican colleague.
“I would like to think Lindsey Graham is watching, too,” he said. “Today we say to the people of Ukraine: You are not alone. And today we say to Vladimir Putin: You will not conquer Ukraine.”
Senate Sends Bipartisan Warning to Putin
The 86-11 vote represented a strong bipartisan expression of opposition to Russia’s invasion.
It was the Senate’s most substantial attempt during Trump’s second term to alter the direction of the war.
Lawmakers hope the economic pressure will weaken Russia’s ability to continue fighting or force Putin toward negotiations.
Ukraine War Exceeds Four Years
Russia’s war against Ukraine has continued for more than four years.
The conflict has now lasted longer than World War I.
Despite extensive casualties and economic damage, neither side has achieved a decisive military victory.
Congress Struggles to Sustain Ukraine Support
Congress has repeatedly faced difficulty maintaining American funding and weapons deliveries to Ukraine.
Political divisions have delayed aid packages and created uncertainty about long-term U.S. support.
The sanctions bill offers lawmakers a way to increase pressure on Russia without relying solely on direct military assistance.
Trump Signals Support
Trump has indicated that he supports the sanctions legislation.
His approval increases the likelihood that Republican leaders in the House will schedule a vote.
The House must pass the measure before it can be sent to the White House for Trump’s signature.
Pressure Shifts to House
The Senate’s overwhelming vote places new pressure on House lawmakers to act.
If the House approves the bill without changes, it can proceed directly to the president.
Any amendments would require the two chambers to resolve their differences before the sanctions could become law.
More on US News