Bipartisan senators push Russia oil sanctions bill, honoring late Sen. Graham

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - A bipartisan group of senators is advancing legislation that would impose sanctions on purchasers of Russian oil, with supporters saying the bill honors the late Sen. Lindsey Graham and aims to hold Vladimir Putin accountable.

Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, secured an agreement with the White House on new text for the “Sanctioning Russia Act” just one day before his death. He and Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat, first introduced the bill last year.

Graham passed away Saturday at 71 from a tear in his aorta, according to a statement from his office.

“Not only is it a tribute to Senator Graham, but also because it matters to Ukraine,” Blumenthal said Tuesday.

Blumenthal said the legislation would hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting the war in Ukraine by imposing sanctions. He said the two most affected countries would be China and India, which he said together purchase approximately 90% of Russia’s energy products.

“Ukraine is at a crossroads. It is turning the tide on the battlefield,” said Blumenthal. “The wind is in its sails and now is the time for this sweeping sanctions bill.”

Blumenthal added the measure has been narrowly targeted and tailored so that no European allies would be impacted.

Alabama Sen. Katie Britt, a Republican, quoted Graham’s own words about the measure, saying Tuesday, “he said that this would be the most consequential piece of legislation that he ever had an opportunity to get behind and get to the president’s desk.”

Blumenthal said he has spoken with Senate Majority Leader John Thune and believes the bill will be brought to a vote and passed by August.