The measure was one of the late Senator Graham’s top priorities.
The U.S. Senate passed a sanctions package against Russia on Friday. The late Senator Lindsey Graham had championed the move for at least a year to underscore U.S. support for Ukraine. The measure includes penalizing countries that purchase Russian energy products to reduce revenue that has fueled Russia’s continued attacks.
The legislation would allow the president to place tariffs on the five top buyers of Russian oil and natural gas, but would offer exceptions for nations that import under 15 percent of their natural gas from Russia.
The measure would sanction President Vladimir Putin, senior Russian leaders, Russian financial institutions, and Russian energy. The current sanctions on reflagged Russian oil tankers would be expanded.
Senator Darline Graham, whom Governor McMaster appointed to fill her brother’s seat, honored her brother and his work. She said the legislation “hits Putin where it hurts.”
Senator Raphael Warnock of Georgia supported the sanctions package after U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer committed in writing that applicable tariffs would be lifted as soon as countries are no longer listed as purchasing Russian oil and gas or helping to evade U.S. sanctions.
Senator Graham had announced the sanctions deal with Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut on July 10, the day before he passed away.
The sanctions legislation will await action from the House of Representatives, which passed its own sanctions measure in June.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For members of the Senate as they seek to concluded legislative business ahead of the five week recess.
- For the senators who are urging a vote on the SAVE America Act, election integrity legislation, ahead of the recess.
Sources: AP News, UPI News
