The bill, approved in an 86-11 vote, serves as a posthumous tribute to Senator Lindsey Graham, a vocal proponent of military aid to Ukraine who passed away in July. Darline Graham, who filled her brother’s seat, characterized the legislation as a direct strike against Vladimir Putin’s financial infrastructure. Democrat Richard Blumenthal, who co-sponsored the measure, framed the vote as a definitive signal to Moscow that the international community intends to sustain its pressure on the Russian energy sector.
Beyond India and China, the current list of top five importers includes Azerbaijan, Hungary, and Slovakia. The proposed sanctions extend to the targeting of reflagged oil tankers used to circumvent existing trade restrictions, as well as broader penalties against Russian political leadership and financial institutions. The bill also updates the 1996 Iran Sanctions Act, extending its reach through 2031. While the White House retains the authority to waive these penalties if deemed in the national interest, the legislation includes specific exemptions for nations actively reducing their reliance on Russian gas below a 15% threshold. The measure now moves to the House of Representatives, which is scheduled to consider the package when it reconvenes on August 31.
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