Late Graham's Pushed Sanctions Bill Against Russia Urged for Acceleration by US Senators

Central Message

(CNA, Washington, 15th –综合 international news) The Russia sanctions bill actively promoted by U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham has become more urgent following his death. Several senators have expressed their hope to honor Graham by advancing the legislation, continuing his efforts to secure White House support.

According to the Associated Press, pro-Ukraine U.S. lawmakers have been pushing this bill for over a year, aiming to impose high tariffs on countries that continue purchasing Russian oil, natural gas, and other exports, in order to cut off funding for Russia's war in Ukraine. On the 14th, lawmakers introduced a revised version of the bill to address external concerns.

Some lawmakers had worried the original version was too broad and could economically harm key U.S. allies who support Ukraine. The White House wanted to ensure the President retains flexibility to waive sanctions when in the national interest. The revised bill attempts to balance both concerns.

According to the bill summary, the revised version would impose tariffs only on the top five global buyers of Russian oil or natural gas. The bill's sponsors state that China and India rank in the top two.

Additionally, the tariff has been reduced from a flat 500% to a maximum of 100%. Countries importing less than 15% of their total natural gas from Russia and actively taking steps to reduce imports may qualify for exemptions.

The bill also includes sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin, senior Russian political and military leaders, Russian financial institutions and energy projects, and expands sanctions to older oil tankers re-registered to help Russia evade existing sanctions.

Graham and his co-sponsors stated last week that significant progress had been made in negotiations with the Trump administration. However, Graham passed away late on the 11th and did not live to announce the revised bill.

Graham had just returned from a visit to Ukraine and had spoken by phone with Trump shortly before his death, discussing the sanctions bill.

Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, a co-sponsor, expressed support for naming the bill after Graham. He said, "This will be his important political legacy."

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer called on Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune to immediately schedule the bill for floor debate "to honor Lindsey," stating the bill "will pass by an overwhelming vote and help our allies in Ukraine." Thune responded, "I hope we can make that happen."

Over 20 senators currently support the bill, and congressional aides say the number continues to grow.

It remains unclear when the bill will come to a Senate vote, but Blumenthal said Thune has indicated he is ready to move forward if sufficient votes are secured.

Last month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a different version of the bill, including over $1 billion in security and reconstruction aid for Ukraine and an additional $8 billion in defense loans. (Compiled by: Hsu Jui-cheng) 1150716