Blumenthal & Graham's Hard-Hitting Sanctions Bill has Over 80 Cosponsors

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) today made the below joint statement after their legislation to impose primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s aggression in Ukraine reached 81 cosponsors in the U.S. Senate.

These sanctions would be imposed if Russia refuses to engage in good faith negotiations for a lasting peace with Ukraine or initiates another effort, including military invasion, that undermines the sovereignty of Ukraine after peace is negotiated. The legislation also imposes a 500 percent tariff on imported goods from countries that buy Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other products.

“As Secretary Rubio indicated yesterday to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, Russia has agreed to provide its term sheet for a ceasefire in the next few days. Its contents will speak volumes as to whether or not Russia is serious about peace. We suspect it will be more of the same.

“If it is more of the same, Russia can expect decisive action from the United States Senate. To that end, we are beyond pleased that we now have 81 cosponsors for legislation to sanction Russia for its barbaric invasion of Ukraine. Our legislation will isolate Russia – putting it on a trade island by imposing stiff tariffs on other countries that support these atrocities. One of the main priorities of our legislation is to hold China accountable for propping up Putin’s war machine by buying cheap Russian oil from the shadow fleet. Without China’s economic support, Putin’s war machine would come to a grinding halt.

“While we yearn for peace, it is increasingly clear to us – and a supermajority of the Senate – that Putin is playing games. The United States Senate stands ready to act if these games continue.”

Background on the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 is available HERE.

Bill text is available HERE.

-30-