US lawmakers call for passage of Russia sanctions bill to honour late senator Graham

U.S. lawmakers from both parties have called for the swift passage of a bipartisan Russia sanctions bill following the death of Senator Lindsey Graham, describing the legislation as a fitting tribute to his long-standing support for Ukraine.

Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, died on July 11 following what his office described as a "brief and sudden illness," Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

In a statement posted on social media, Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat from New Hampshire, said Graham had been working until his final days to advance sanctions legislation aimed at increasing pressure on Russia.

“On Friday, Senators Graham, Blumenthal, Wicker and I announced White House support for our Russia sanctions legislation to help finally achieve peace for Ukraine, which Lindsey described as one of his most consequential efforts,” Shaheen wrote.

“There can be no more fitting memorial to Lindsey, his legacy, or the causes he fought for, than to pass this legislation and realize his long-held dream of an independent and secure Ukraine,” she added.

Graham had been working with Shaheen, Senator Richard Blumenthal and Senator Roger Wicker on the proposed Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, reaching an agreement with the White House on the bill's text shortly before his death.

The legislation, which has 85 co-sponsors in the Senate, would impose tougher sanctions on Russia. Details of the final version have not been released, and it remains unclear what changes were made to the original proposal, which included tariffs of up to 500% on countries purchasing Russian oil and gas.

Senator Richard Blumenthal also urged Congress to act quickly.

“When we last spoke, he was as enthusiastic and exuberant as I’ve ever seen him,” Blumenthal wrote on the social platform X. “Passing the sanctions bill right away would be a fitting tribute.”

Republican Representative Mike Turner echoed the call during an appearance on CBS News' Face the Nation.

“This bill would be an important symbolism to say, ‘We’re going to be with Ukraine.’ And I certainly hope the Senate moves it this week,” Turner said.

He added that there were “more than a veto-proof number” of senators who had supported previous Russia sanctions legislation.

“With the White House’s support, this bill could be on the president’s desk this week,” Turner said.

Representative Michael McCaul, a Republican from Texas, said he plans to introduce a companion Russia sanctions bill in the House of Representatives this week.

Shaheen also paid tribute to Graham's foreign policy legacy, saying he was “a tireless advocate for America’s indispensable global role and had a particular focus on supporting Ukraine in the face of Russia’s unprovoked invasion.”

“Just days ago, we were at the NATO Summit together, pushing toward this goal,” she added.

By Sabina Mammadli