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Senate Passes Russia Sanctions Bill Championed by Late Sen. Graham

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The Senate overwhelmingly approved a punishing Russian sanctions package Friday, the result of a yearlong campaign by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham to reinforce U.S. support for Ukraine. The bipartisan legislation, which passed 86-11, would penalize countries that continue to buy Russian oil, gas and other exports, seeking to deprive Putin of revenues fueling the war.

It comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the Capitol last week following Graham’s funeral.\n\nThe package allows the president to impose tariffs on the world’s top five purchasers of Russian oil or natural gas, including China and India. It provides exceptions for countries that import less than 15% of their natural gas from Russia. The legislation also includes sanctions on Putin, senior Russian political and military leaders, Russian financial institutions and Russian energy projects.\n\nThe bill next goes to the House.

Some lawmakers, including Sen. Rand Paul and Sen. Ron Wyden, opposed the new tariff authority, arguing it would be too costly for Americans.

Top Democrats also warn against handing Trump too much power to impose tariffs. The Senate defeated an amendment that would have removed the tariff authority.