The US Senate has passed a Russia sanctions bill, long championed by Lindsey Graham, that would allow tough new tariffs on major importers of Russian energy. The measure now heads to the House.
Key facts
- The Senate passed a bill imposing new sanctions on purchasers of Russian oil.
- The legislation was led by Senator Lindsey Graham before his unexpected death in July.
- The bill allows for tough new tariffs against major importers of Russian energy.
- The measure cleared the Senate easily and now heads to the House.
- Al Jazeera reported the sanctions could hurt India and China.
The US Senate has passed a bill designed to impose new sanctions on buyers of Russian oil, a measure long championed by Senator Lindsey Graham. According to NPR, the legislation was led by Graham before his unexpected death in July.
The bill is intended to stifle Russia’s economy by allowing for tough new tariffs against major importers of Russian energy, NPR reported. The measure targets nations that continue to purchase Russian oil.
CNBC reported that the measure easily cleared the Senate and now heads to the House for further consideration. The outlet described the vote as breezing through the chamber, with the legislation framed as an honor to Graham.
Al Jazeera characterized the vote as the US Senate’s strongest move against Russia under President Trump. The outlet reported that the sanctions could hurt India and China, two major importers of Russian energy.
The legislation’s passage marks a significant step, though it must still be taken up by the House before it can become law. The measure carries added significance as a piece of legislation associated with Graham following his death in July.
Why it matters
By targeting major importers of Russian energy with the threat of steep tariffs, the bill aims to pressure Russia's economy and could affect large purchasers such as India and China. As legislation tied to the late Senator Lindsey Graham, its passage also carries political weight, though it still requires House approval to become law.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Russia sanctions bill do?
According to NPR, the bill is meant to stifle Russia's economy by allowing for tough new tariffs against major importers of Russian energy, imposing new sanctions on purchasers of Russian oil.
Who championed the legislation?
The bill was led by Senator Lindsey Graham before his unexpected death in July, according to NPR and CNBC.
What happens next?
CNBC reported that the measure cleared the Senate and now heads to the House for consideration.