Bipartisan Coalition of 62 Senators Introduces Russia Sanctions Bill Honoring the Late Sen. Lindsey Graham

July 16, 2026 - WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a powerful bipartisan display and a tribute to the late Senator Lindsey Graham, U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R‑Ala.), Darline Graham (R‑S.C.), Richard Blumenthal (D‑Conn.), Jeanne Shaheen (D‑N.H.), and Roger Wicker (R‑Miss.) announced the introduction of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026. The legislation-now backed by 62 senators-aims to impose sweeping sanctions on major purchasers of Russian oil and gas, targeting the financial lifelines fueling Russia's war against Ukraine.

The bill represents the culmination of a year‑long effort led by Senators Lindsey Graham and Blumenthal, who first introduced the framework in April 2025. Graham secured White House support just days before his passing, following meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the 2026 NATO Summit.

At a press conference Tuesday, Senator Britt reflected on Graham's relentless commitment to advancing the sanctions package.

"One of the many pillars of Senator Graham's exemplary career was his dedication to putting America's national security first," Britt said. "He believed this legislation would be the most consequential achievement of his career. Today, we honor his legacy by carrying it forward."

A Legacy Continued

Senator Darline Graham, who now holds her late brother's seat, emphasized the personal significance of the legislation.

"Until the very day he passed, Lindsey remained focused on passing the Russia sanctions bill," she said. "Passing this legislation would honor my brother's steadfast commitment to our national security and provide President Trump with additional leverage to bring this war to an end."

Senator Blumenthal described the bill as a historic opportunity to pressure Russia at a pivotal moment in the conflict.

"Ukraine is turning the tide on the battlefield," Blumenthal said. "Our sanctions bill would be historically impactful in stopping Russia's murderous slaughter. When Senator Graham and I last spoke, he was absolutely exultant-calling from Kyiv with news that President Trump would support this bill."

Broad Bipartisan Support

Senate Majority Leader John Thune called the legislation "a fitting way to honor Lindsey's legacy," while Senators Shaheen and Wicker underscored the urgency of exerting maximum economic pressure on Russia as Ukraine advances.

Senator Tim Scott, Chair of the Senate Banking Committee, added:

"South Carolina lost a statesman, and I lost a friend. This legislation is tough, principled, and focused on keeping America safe. Lindsey would be proud to see Republicans and Democrats united behind this effort."

The bill's introduction includes support from a wide ideological spectrum, ranging from Senate leadership to committee chairs and senior members across both parties.

What the Legislation Does

The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 imposes:

Primary and secondary sanctions on Russian officials, oligarchs, family members, banks, financial institutions, and the Russian Shadow Fleet.

Up to 100% tariffs on imported goods from countries that purchase the majority of Russian oil and gas or facilitate sanctions evasion.

Targeted exemptions for countries with minimal Russian natural gas imports and demonstrable efforts to reduce reliance on Russian energy.

The tariff provisions focus on the five largest importers of Russian crude or gas and the top five facilitators of sanctions evasion, tightening pressure on Russia's global energy markets.

Honoring a Statesman's Final Mission

During the press conference, Senator Britt delivered an emotional tribute:

"Nobody did more than Lindsey Graham. He worked tirelessly, relentlessly. He knew this was the right thing to do. He said this would be the most consequential piece of legislation he ever had the opportunity to get behind. Today, we honor him by finishing what he started."

With 62 senators already committed, the bill is positioned as one of the most significant bipartisan foreign‑policy efforts of 2026-an effort shaped by Graham's final months and carried forward by colleagues determined to see his mission through.