Republican Urges Congress To Pass Graham’s Last Bill

One of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham’s final legislative priorities could soon become law if congressional Republicans move quickly.

Ohio Republican Rep. Mike Turner is urging the Senate to approve Graham’s bipartisan Russia sanctions bill, saying the measure would honor the longtime senator’s legacy while reinforcing America’s commitment to Ukraine.

Speaking Sunday on CBS’ Face the Nation, Turner called on Senate leaders to bring the legislation to the floor without delay.

“Passing this bill would send an important message that America stands with Ukraine,” Turner said. “I hope the Senate takes it up this week.”

Graham’s Final Legislative Push

Turner’s comments came just one day after Graham died following what his office described as a brief and sudden illness.

For more than a year, the South Carolina Republican worked to build bipartisan support for stronger economic penalties against Russia as the war in Ukraine continued.

Only days before his passing, Graham announced that he and a bipartisan group of senators had reached an agreement with the Trump administration to move forward with an updated sanctions package.

The proposal would impose tougher sanctions on Russia while also placing significant tariffs on countries that continue purchasing Russian oil or maintaining major business relationships with Moscow.

Supporters believe increasing financial pressure could further isolate Russia and encourage an end to the conflict.

Trump Administration Gives Green Light

Although the legislation attracted broad bipartisan support after Graham first introduced it last year, Senate leaders delayed bringing it up for a vote while awaiting backing from the Trump administration.

With that support now secured, Turner believes lawmakers have an opportunity to act quickly.

He noted that the House has already approved similar legislation and said the Senate version has attracted enough bipartisan support to move through Congress.

According to Turner, the bill could reach President Donald Trump’s desk as early as this week if Senate leaders schedule a vote.

Graham Continued Fighting for the Bill Until the End

Turner said Graham continued pushing for the Russia sanctions legislation during last week’s NATO summit, where members of Congress held meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Even while attending high-level international meetings, Graham continued encouraging fellow lawmakers to support the legislation.

Turner said the senator viewed the bill as an important step toward strengthening America’s leadership while increasing pressure on Russia.

America First and Strong Alliances

Turner also reflected on Graham’s foreign policy philosophy, arguing that the late senator believed President Trump’s “America First” agenda could coexist with maintaining strong alliances overseas.

According to Turner, putting America’s interests first does not require the United States to withdraw from the world stage.

Instead, he said Graham believed America’s leadership remained essential during major international crises and that allies continued looking to Washington for reassurance and stability.

Turner said Graham consistently reminded America’s partners that they were not facing global threats alone.

Senate Vote Could Come Soon

While Turner said he had not received confirmation that Senate Republican leaders have officially scheduled a vote, he expressed confidence that the legislation has enough bipartisan support to advance.

Members of both parties voiced similar sentiments on Sunday, saying that passing the Russia sanctions legislation would be a meaningful way to honor Graham’s long record on national security and his persistent campaign to hold Moscow accountable.

With the Trump administration now backing the proposal and bipartisan support already in place, attention shifts to Senate leadership and whether lawmakers will move swiftly on one of Lindsey Graham’s final legislative priorities.