Source: Fortune.com
Summary
President Donald Trump signed a sanctions package targeting Russian officials and economic pillars, aimed at pressuring Moscow over its war in Ukraine. The bill, a legacy effort for late Sen. Lindsey Graham, passed with bipartisan support in both chambers. It includes tariffs on top Russian oil and gas importers and sanctions on Russian energy infrastructure. Graham’s sister, Darline Graham, praised the bill as a way to weaken Putin’s war efforts. Some Democratic lawmakers criticized the bill, fearing expanded tariff powers could harm the U.S. economy.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story.
Trump signs sanctions bill after years of work.
Graham’s legacy lives on through the law.
Tariffs target top Russian oil and gas importers.
Critics warn of economic risks.
The bill also extends Iran sanctions for five years.
Author: Evan Null
Sanctions Package Signed
President Donald Trump signed a sweeping sanctions package targeting Russian officials and key economic sectors. The move is intended to pressure Moscow over its ongoing war in Ukraine. The law was a final project for late Sen. Lindsey Graham, who had been working on it for over a year before his death in July.
Bipartisan Support
The bill passed with strong bipartisan support, with 86-11 in the Senate and 262-159 in the House. It was designed to cut off resources that Moscow needs to continue its war efforts. The legislation also includes measures to impose up to 100% tariffs on the top five importers of Russian oil or natural gas.
Focus on Energy Infrastructure
The sanctions target Russian officials, banks, and a shadow fleet of tankers that facilitate Russian energy exports. The bill also directs Trump to impose tariffs on countries that import significant amounts of Russian oil or gas. However, it includes an exception for countries that have reduced their imports below 15% of Russia’s natural gas exports.
Legacy of Lindsey Graham
Sen. Lindsey Graham’s sister, Darline Graham, expressed pride in the bill’s passage, saying it would help end the war by squeezing Putin economically. She noted that her brother believed the legislation would force Russia’s customers to reevaluate their relationship with Moscow. Graham had been a key architect of the bill before his death.
Criticism and Concerns
Despite strong support, the bill faced criticism from some Democratic lawmakers. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries warned that the expanded tariff powers could lead to new levies on the EU and other regions, harming the U.S. economy. The legislation also required the White House to ensure Trump retained flexibility on sanctions, which delayed its final passage.
