Senators unveil Russia sanctions bill in Graham's honor

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Sens.

Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) on Tuesday unveiled a revised Russia sanctions bill championed by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC).

"This is a big f-ing deal and we are all doing good today," Sen. Blumenthal said as he "channeled" his inner Lindsey Graham. "Lindsey would be proud of each of us."

The bipartisan bill would impose sanctions on top Russian officials and steep tariffs on countries that purchase Russian oil.

"This is Lindsey Graham's greatest achievement," Sen. Wicker said.

The Senate has come close to passing similar legislation multiple times, but Republicans backed off at the urging of President Trump, who wanted room to negotiate directly with Russia.

The president signaled his support for the revised measure in the Oval Office and suggested senators could also add sanctions targeting Iran and Hezbollah.

"This is in honor of Lindsey," he told reporters. "There's a good chance that it gets done."

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