Senate Approves Bipartisan Bill Targeting Russian Energy Revenues

The Senate voted 86-11 on Friday to pass a bipartisan sanctions bill that would enable the president to levy tariffs of up to 100% on nations that import Russian oil and natural gas, including major buyers such as China and India. The legislation also extends sanctions on Iran and targets senior Russian officials, with the stated goal of curbing revenue that funds the war in Ukraine.

The measure was originally championed by South Carolina Republican Lindsey Graham, who died in July. Shortly before his death, Graham met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and secured a deal with the White House to move the bill forward. After his passing, Senate colleagues said the bill would be named in his honor.

"My late brother Lindsey was a foreign policy and national security expert. He was also a peace maker who was determined to bring an end to the conflict in Ukraine," said Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., on the Senate floor.

"The war against Ukraine is primarily funded by the revenue Russia rakes in from energy sales. Without these profits the ability to fund the war would be crippled. This legislation hits Putin where it hurts," she added.

The bill now heads to the House, where Speaker Mike Johnson and President Trump have expressed support, though some Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns about granting new tariff authority to the president.