Graham teases Senate will 'soon' vote on a 'tough' Russia sanctions bill

Republican South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham on Tuesday teased that the Senate will "soon" vote on a sanctions bill that's tough on Russia, which will also impact its trading partners like China and India.

The comment comes after President Donald Trump called Russian President Vladimir Putin out for making empty promises about ending its invasion of Ukraine. Trump noted in a Cabinet meeting that Putin's words have turned "meaningless."

Graham introduced a bill that would impose a 500% tariff on imports from any nation that purchases Russian uranium, gas and oil. The legislation has 80 bipartisan cosponsors in the upper chamber, according to The Hill.

"President [Trump] is spot on about the games Putin is playing," Graham posted to X in response to a video of Trump's comments. "The Senate will move soon on a tough sanctions bill – not only against Russia – but also against countries like China and India that buy Russian energy products that finance Putin’s war machine. 

"The Senate bill has a presidential waiver to give President Trump maximum leverage," he continued. "When it comes to Putin and those who support his war machine, it is time to change the game."

Senate Republicans are still waiting to bring the bill to the floor until Trump gives his formal approval. Trump told reporters that he is "looking at" Graham's proposal.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune also indicated to reporters that he expects the bill to move forward soon, and said he expects to talk more about the bill "later this week."

Renewed interest in the bill comes a day after Trump said the U.S. will send more weapons to Ukraine, preparing to reverse the Pentagon's halt on sending munitions to the European country. 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.