President Donald Trump is backing a revised version of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham's Russia sanctions bill, giving fresh momentum to legislation that would impose tariffs of at least 500% on countries buying Russian energy.
According to a report by CNN on Monday, citing a White House official who provided no further details, the bill, known as the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, would impose sanctions if Russia refuses to negotiate peace with Ukraine, violates a deal, launches another invasion or tries to subvert Ukraine's government.
Congress says the measure would raise duties to at least 500% on Russian imports and on goods from countries that knowingly engage in the exchange of Russian-origin uranium and petroleum products.
Senators Push Sanctions Measure As Memorial
The push follows a July 10 announcement from Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), saying they had reached an agreement with the Trump administration to move updated sanctions legislation forward. The senators said the bill would "exact a heavy price on those who buy Russian oil and natural gas, fueling the Putin war machine."
Trump had earlier greenlit Graham's 500% tariff plan aimed at Russian oil buyers such as China, India and Brazil. Graham said at the time, "This bill will allow President Trump to punish those countries who buy cheap Russian oil, fueling Putin's war machine."
Shaheen urged Congress to pass the measure after Graham's sudden death, calling it a tribute to his work on Ukraine. "There can be no more fitting memorial to Lindsey, his legacy, or the causes he fought for, than to pass this legislation and realize his long-held dream of an independent and secure Ukraine," she said in a statement she posted on social media.
Nordone Appointment Sets Up Special Primary
Graham had just returned from Kyiv before his death and had said the White House deal meant the bill was likely to advance. "We've reached an agreement with the White House on a version of the Russian sanctions bill that they will support. It means it's going to become law," Graham said.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Graham's sister, Darline Graham Nordone, as his temporary replacement in the Senate. A special GOP primary will determine the party's nominee for the full term.
