Scoop: Russia sanctions bill hits 60 co-sponsors
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Sen. Lindsey Graham in 2020. Photo: Susan Walsh-Pool/Getty Images
A bipartisan push to pass the late Sen. Lindsey Graham's (R-S.C.) revised Russia sanctions package has more than 60 co-sponsors — enough to clear a Senate filibuster.
Why it matters: The legislation, which would impose 100% secondary tariffs on countries that continue buying Russian oil and gas, now appears to have the votes it needs to pass the Senate. The biggest remaining hurdle is getting floor time.
- The updated bill, which Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) is shepherding through the Senate, would still need House approval.
- There are currently at least 61 co-sponsors, with 39 Republicans and 22 Democrats, according to a person familiar with the matter.
Between the lines: President Trump has stopped short of fully endorsing the legislation, but he has signaled he's open to signing it as a tribute to Graham.
- "We're seriously thinking — this is in honor of Lindsey. He wanted this more than any other thing," Trump said Tuesday.
- Graham believed he had secured the administration's backing, sharing his excitement with fellow senators just hours before his sudden death.
What we're watching: Thursday afternoon, Republican leaders "hotlined" the bill — a process used to gauge whether any GOP senators object to bringing it to the floor — as they look to move quickly.
Zoom in: The legislation would ratchet up pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin by allowing the president to impose 100% tariffs on the five largest buyers of Russian oil and gas.
- The secondary sanctions would target countries such as China and India, aiming to cut off revenue that helps finance Russia's war in Ukraine.
- The bill also targets Russia's "shadow fleet" — the network of aging tankers used to evade Western sanctions while exporting Russian oil.
