In a massive show of bipartisanship, 86 senators voted to move forward with a Russia and Iran sanctions bill that had been championed by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham.
Why it matters: The vote came hours after senators gathered to honor Graham’s memory, and immediately following a closed-door meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
- The vote was 86-12. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) was the only Republican to vote against it.
- It is a procedural vote, but leadership hopes that the strong bipartisan support will allow for an expedited path to final passage.
The details: The bill had been led by Graham and Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and reached more than 60 co-sponsors this month.
- The legislation would impose 100% secondary tariffs on countries that continue buying Russian oil and gas.
- The bill also targets Russia’s “shadow fleet” — the network of aging tankers used to evade Western sanctions while exporting Russian oil.
- It was also updated to renew sanctions on Iran set to expire after the end of the year.
Between the lines: The sanctions package has long had wide bipartisan support, but concerns from the White House held it up for months.
- Graham had been the key negotiator with the White House, trying to adjust language to ensure President Trump’s signature.
- After the senator’s unexpected death, Trump indicated they would work to get the package done.
Zoom in: Some Democrats were hesitant to vote for the package, concerned about Trump’s use of tariffs,
- Zelenskyy and Finnish President s Alexander Stubb gave compelling arguments for the need for the sanctions and tariffs package, arguing that Russia is in a losing position, sources tell Axios.
- Zelenskyy watched the vote from the Senate chamber.
