Transcript: Rep. Mike Turner on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," July 12, 2026

Republican Congressman Mike Turner spoke about the critical need to pass a sanctions and tariffs bill for Ukraine, a legislative effort strongly advocated by the late Senator Lindsey Graham. Appearing on CBS News' "Face the Nation," Turner highlighted Graham's dedication to the bill, which has already passed the House and is co-sponsored by Turner.

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Let's hope, as you had- had indicated, that- that- that is one of the legacies that- that the Senate will move his bill.

Turner reflected on Graham's legacy, emphasizing that supporting allies like Ukraine does not contradict an "America First" approach. "You can be America first and still understand that it doesn't have to be America alone," he stated. He stressed that allies value American leadership and that standing for freedom and democracy is a core American principle, a sentiment he believes was embodied by Graham, as well as figures like John McCain and Ronald Reagan.

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You can be America first and still understand that it doesn't have to be America alone. That, you know, allies want America's voice. America's voice is important. America needs to stand for- for freedom and- and democracy and liberty.

"America needs to stand for- for freedom and- and democracy and liberty," Turner asserted, noting that Graham's voice provided reassurance to nations like Ukraine, signaling that "America is with you." He added that while the U.S. will not make decisions for other countries, it will not let them stand alone.

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You're not alone. America is with you. You know, we're not going to do it for you. We're not going to- you know come in and decide for you. But- but you're not going to be alone.

Turner expressed optimism that the Senate would pass the bill this week, allowing it to be sent to the President's desk. He mentioned that Graham had communicated his belief in potential movement from the White House on the bill. With broad support in the House, Turner hopes the Senate will act swiftly to send a powerful symbolic message of continued U.S. commitment to Ukraine.

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And- and he was that voice with Ukraine, having just gone to Ukraine, saying we're- we're going to be with you, and this bill would be an important symbolism to say 'we're going to be with Ukraine.' And I certainly hope the Senate moves it this week, and we can put it on the president's desk this week.