Graham’s Final Stand Against Russia Moves Forward as Global Leaders Gather

Clear Facts

• Sen. Lindsey Graham died suddenly at age 71 earlier this month, with memorial services scheduled in Washington, D.C., and South Carolina
• World leaders including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will attend Graham’s Washington services
• Graham’s signature sanctions legislation targeting Russia is advancing through the Senate, including up to 500% tariffs on Russian imports and sanctions on Putin’s inner circle

Washington prepares to honor the late Sen. Lindsey Graham as his final legislative mission — a comprehensive sanctions package against Russia — approaches completion in the Senate. Graham, who passed away suddenly at 71 earlier this month, will receive memorial tributes Tuesday that reflect both his national security legacy and international standing.

The day will begin with a rotunda ceremony at the U.S. Capitol, followed by a private funeral service at the National Cathedral. These Washington tributes precede additional services in his home state of South Carolina, marking the end of a political career that took Graham from working behind his parents’ bar to becoming a leading voice on foreign policy and national security.

The international significance of Graham’s work is evident in the attendee list. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will both participate in Tuesday’s events. Zelenskyy is scheduled to address lawmakers Tuesday morning as the Senate advances Graham’s signature legislative achievement: devastating sanctions against Russia in response to its war in Ukraine.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., invoked Graham’s own words when describing the importance of the sanctions package moving forward.

“To quote Senator Graham, ‘It’s a big effing deal. We all did well. We all did good.’ Those were among the last comments he made to me. Neither of us knowing, you know, that he was going to pass, but it is a profoundly significant part of his legacy.”

Blumenthal emphasized the magnitude of the achievement.

“It’s a huge achievement for him. And I’m very proud to be, you know, his partner in that effort.”

A bipartisan coalition of senators has updated the legislation, including renaming it to honor Graham — a change championed by his sister, newly appointed Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C. However, Blumenthal cautioned that final passage is not yet guaranteed.

“It’s going to be a very important part of his legacy, and it is a tribute, a fitting and appropriate tribute to him. I hope it passes. We’re not there yet.”

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has scheduled the sanctions package, which now includes Iran sanctions, for a procedural vote Tuesday night — just hours after Graham’s National Cathedral service. The timing underscores the urgency lawmakers feel in completing Graham’s final mission.

Thune expressed optimism about bipartisan support while acknowledging some senators have reservations about specific provisions.

“I hope to, you know, the motion to get on it will be a very big bipartisan vote. And if it is, I think that will at least set up a path to get it done.”

The core elements of the legislation remain intact from earlier versions: comprehensive sanctions on Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russian officials, and military leaders; tariffs up to 500% on Russian imports; tariffs up to 100% on countries purchasing Russian energy, including China and India. The package also grants President Donald Trump flexibility in implementing certain aspects of the sanctions.

Recent modifications include a “national interest certification” for Trump’s waiver authority and new sanctions targeting Russia’s “shadow fleet” — the network of ships and tankers transporting Russian energy exports while evading detection.

Rep. William Timmons, R-S.C., who developed a close friendship with Graham, remembered the senator as someone wholly dedicated to national service. The two frequently played golf together, and Timmons recalled Graham’s consistent encouragement of those he considered friends.

“I just think that he was very much singularly focused on public service, whether it was the military or in Congress or as a senator. It literally was his entire life.”

As Washington prepares to bid farewell to a stalwart defender of American interests abroad, Graham’s legacy appears poised to continue through legislation that could fundamentally reshape America’s economic confrontation with Moscow. The bipartisan support for these crushing sanctions demonstrates how Graham built coalitions across party lines when America’s security interests were at stake.

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