- The US Senate has passed a Russia sanctions bill named for Lindsey Graham.
- The bipartisan package allows the president to impose tariffs on the world's top importers of Russian oil and gas, including India and China.
- Democrat Richard Blumenthal, who pressed for the bill's passage along with Graham, stated that the people of Ukraine "are not alone" and that Putin "will not conquer Ukraine."
- The bill provides exceptions for countries that import less than 15% of their natural gas from Russia and are taking steps to reduce those imports.
- The legislation includes sanctions on senior Russian political and military leaders, Russian financial institutions, and Russian energy projects, and expands sanctions to target older, reflagged oil tankers used to circumvent existing sanctions.
- Besides India and China, Azerbaijan, Hungary, and Slovakia are currently among the top five importers of oil and gas from Russia.
The US Senate's recent passage of a sanctions bill named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham marks a significant step in the ongoing response to Russia's aggression in Ukraine. The bill, approved by an 86-11 vote, reflects bipartisan support for Ukraine and aims to impose stringent measures against Russia.135
Graham, who passed away on July 11, was a vocal advocate for sanctions against Russia, emphasizing the need to hold President Vladimir Putin accountable. His sister remarked that the bill "hits (Russian President Vladimir) Putin where it hurts."
Democrat Richard Blumenthal, a key proponent of the bill, stated, “Today we say to the people of Ukraine: You are not alone. And today we say to Vladimir Putin: You will not conquer Ukraine.” The legislation not only targets Russian political and military leaders but also expands sanctions to include Russian financial institutions and energy projects.
Additionally, the bill allows the president to impose tariffs on countries like India and China, which are significant importers of Russian oil and gas. However, exceptions are made for nations importing less than 15% of their natural gas from Russia and actively working to reduce those imports. The bill is set to move to the House of Representatives for further consideration when it reconvenes on August 31.246
This legislation underscores the US commitment to supporting Ukraine and countering Russian influence globally.
“The bipartisan package allows the president to impose tariffs on top importers of Russian oil and gas, including India and China, with exceptions for countries importing less than 15% of their natural gas from Russia. Graham's sister, who succeeded him in the Senate, said the bill "hits Putin where it hurts."”
