Sen. Moran, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Sanction Purchasers of Russian Oil

Moran spoke on the Senate floor, paying tribute to the late Sen. Lindsey Graham & reaffirming U.S. support for Ukraine WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) this week joined a bipartisan group of his colleagues in introducing the Sanctioning Russia Act , the result of an agreement negotiated by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and the White House that would hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. Sen. Moran cosponsored Sen. Graham’s original legislation, introduced in April 2025, that would bring primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia. “As we reflect upon the life of our colleague, our friend, our fellow citizen, a patriot toward the United States of America and a friend really of the world, Senator Lindsey Graham, we honor his commitment to promoting liberty and fighting tyranny throughout the world,” said Sen. Moran. “This legislation would make a difference against Russia’s unjust war in Ukraine and serves as a fitting tribute to the cause Senator Graham championed throughout his life and service in the United States Senate.” “The White House has taken an important step in endorsing this longstanding legislation,” continued Sen. Moran. “The message is clear to friends and foe alike: you can do business with Russia or the United States, but not both. I welcome Leader Thune’s intention to bring this to a vote quickly and send it to the President’s desk.” Sen. Moran spoke on the Senate floor following introduction of the legislation, paying tribute to Senator Graham and emphasizing the need for increased economic pressure on Russia. Watch Sen. Moran’s full floor remarks here . Watch Sen. Moran’s Remarks on Introduction of the Sanctioning Russia Act HERE Specifically, the Sanctioning Russia Act would: Impose sanctions targeting Russia’s war machine – legislation includes mandatory sanctions on Vladimir Putin, senior Russian political and military leaders, oligarchs, state-owned enterprises, Russian financial institutions, Russia’s largest state energy projects and foreign companies supporting Russia’s defense industrial base. Explicitly sanction Russia’s Shadow Fleet and any foreign person or vessel that is used by the Russian government for sanctions evasion. Enforce targeted duties on top purchasers of Russian oil and gas – imposes tariffs on imports from countries that are the world’s top five purchases of Russian oil or natural gas or are among the top five facilitators of Russian oil sanctions evasion. Provide for presidential waiver authority – contains a waiver, consistent with other mandatory sanctions legislation, allowing the President to waive sanctions, restrictions or duties upon a justification and certification to Congress that the waiver is in the national interest of the United States. Repeal the sunset of the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 – applies additional pressure directly on Iran as it continues to support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Full text of the Sanctioning Russia Act can be found HERE . # # #