Over 60 US Senators Back Graham’s “Sanctions from Hell” Bill Targeting Russian Energy Importers

A bipartisan Russia sanctions bill drafted by the late Senator Lindsey Graham has secured over 60 co-sponsors, ensuring enough votes to bypass a Senate filibuster, Axios reported on July 16.

The updated legislation, currently shepherded through the Senate by Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, has gathered at least 61 co-sponsors, including 39 Republicans and 22 Democrats. While the bill boasts the necessary support for passage, Axios reported that the primary remaining logistical hurdle is securing sufficient floor time for debate in the Senate.

To accelerate the process, Republican leaders “hotlined” the bill on Thursday afternoon, July 16, to assess whether any GOP senators would object to bringing the package directly to a vote.

The proposed legislation seeks to escalate economic pressure on Russian leader Vladimir Putin by empowering the US president to impose 100% secondary tariffs on countries that continue to import Russian oil and gas. These punitive measures are designed to target Russia’s largest global energy buyers, including China and India, in a coordinated effort to choke off the financial revenues currently funding Moscow’s military operations in Ukraine.

Additionally, the bill targets Russia’s shadow fleet—the extensive network of aging, non-compliant tankers utilized by the Kremlin to evade G7 and Western oil price caps, Axios wrote.

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While President Donald Trump has stopped short of issuing a full official endorsement of the bill, Axios reported that he has signaled a strong willingness to sign it into law as a personal tribute to Senator Graham, who passed away suddenly on July 11. Graham had reportedly believed he successfully secured the administration’s backing, sharing his optimistic outlook with congressional colleagues just hours before his death.

Commenting on the package on July 14, Trump stated that the White House is seriously considering the bill, remarking, “We’re seriously thinking — this is in honor of Lindsey. He wanted this more than any other thing”.

Senator Lindsey Graham abruptly passed away on July 11 at the age of 71, just one day after returning from his tenth diplomatic mission to Kyiv.

Throughout his tenure, the late Senator Lindsey Graham was a prominent advocate for US military and economic assistance to Kyiv. He consistently supported defense appropriations and legislative measures against Moscow, establishing a record as a key proponent of US aid to Ukraine.

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