86 senators vote to move forward with Graham Russia sanctions bill

In a sweeping show of bipartisan support, the Senate advanced a Russia and Iran sanctions bill eighty-six to twelve. Per Axios, the legislation, championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, imposes one hundred percent secondary tariffs on countries that continue buying Russian oil and gas, and targets Russia's so-called shadow fleet — the aging tankers used to evade existing sanctions while exporting oil. The bill also renews Iran sanctions due to expire at year's end. Graham had negotiated the measure with the White House for months; after his death, President Trump indicated the administration would help advance it. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy watched the Senate vote from the chamber and, alongside Finnish President Alexander Stubb, pressed the case for the sanctions, arguing that Russia is in a losing position. Only one Republican, Senator Rand Paul, voted against the measure.

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