Mark Kelly Celebrates Passage of New Russian Sanctions Bill Named After Lindsey Graham

Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) celebrated the Senate's passage of a bill named after the late Lindsey Graham (R-SC). The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act strengthens sanctions against Russia, and Senator Kelly urged the House to pass it.

What Kelly is Saying

The bill strengthens existing sanctions on Russia and purchasers of its oil and gas, further choking the funds needed for the Putin regime to continue its war on Ukraine, which entered its fourth year in spring.

"The fastest way to end Russia's illegal war is to cut off the money Putin is using to fuel it," said Sen. Kelly in a press release. "Today, Republicans and Democrats came together to pass tougher sanctions that put pressure on Putin and those helping finance his war. This is a critical step securing a lasting peace that protects Ukraine's sovereignty and strengthens U.S. national security."

Sen. Kelly further emphasized, "I've been to Ukraine four times since this war began and have seen firsthand what's at stake. This vote demonstrated that the United States will continue to stand with Ukraine and hold Russia accountable. I urge the House of Representatives to pass this bipartisan legislation quickly so we can keep up the pressure and bring this war to an end."

Kelly vs Russia

In March, the Arizona Senator questioned President Donald Trump's temporary lifting of sanctions on Russian oil to offset the rising prices brought about by the Iran conflict. He said, "These actions speak once again to the troubling lack of strategic foresight that has marked your administration's decision-making prior to and during its war of choice with Iran, jeopardizing the lives of our servicemembers across the region and raising costs for Americans here at home."

At the end of July, Kelly introduced the Fast Tracking European Investment in Ukraine's Defense Act, which amends the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) to preauthorize NATO members to purchase high-volume, low-tech munitions for Ukraine until December 31st, 2030.