Senator Collins’ Statement on Senate Passage of Bipartisan Russia & Iran Sanctions Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins issued the following statement today after the Senate passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act by a vote of 86 to 11: “As an original cosponsor of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, I was pleased to see the bill pass the Senate today with overwhelming support from both sides of the aisle. “Vladimir Putin launched an unprovoked war four and a half years ago, and Ukraine has resisted his aggression valiantly and with inspiring resolve. Russia’s energy sales and shadow fleet are the engine of its war machine, and sanctioning them will help bring this brutal conflict to a quicker end. “This bill also extends the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, which is critical to denying Iran resources for its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and its support for terrorism through its proxies. For nearly 47 years, the Iranian regime and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have threatened both the United States and broader stability in the Middle East. “My friend and colleague Lindsey Graham worked tirelessly to advance this bill. The passage of this legislation named in his honor is a fitting tribute to his legacy of leadership on these critical issues. “This bill is important not only for America’s national security, but also for the security of our European and Middle Eastern allies. I applaud my colleagues for joining together to make clear the Senate’s determination to stand with our allies and to hold Russia and Iran accountable.” ###