The Senate has made progress toward imposing sanctions on Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin, and Iran, following a bipartisan vote. This recent action is part of a larger sanctions package that was previously championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham. The Senate aims to finalize the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act by next week, although the legislation will be paused until the House returns from its August recess.
Senator Roger Wicker stated that this legislation could represent Graham's most significant achievement during his 32-year career. The bill targets Putin's military efforts in Ukraine and includes sanctions on Iran's weapons and energy sectors. Key provisions of the legislation propose tariffs of up to 500% on Russian imports and up to 100% on countries purchasing Russian energy, such as China and India.
Some Democratic lawmakers have expressed concerns regarding the authority granted to President Trump to impose tariffs, given past criticisms of his tariff policies. To garner support, proponents of the bill have engaged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to persuade skeptical Democrats. Senator Jeanne Shaheen acknowledged the concerns about tariff authority but emphasized that the bill's intent is to increase pressure on Putin to end the conflict in Ukraine. Senator Richard Blumenthal remarked that the bill sends a clear message to Putin about the consequences of continuing the war.