Turner says he hopes Senate will pass Russia sanctions as part of Lindsey Graham's legacy

GOP Rep. Mike Turner expressed hope Sunday that the Senate will soon pass a Russia sanctions bill, viewing it as a crucial part of the legacy of the late Senator Lindsey Graham. Graham, a staunch supporter of robust sanctions against Moscow, died suddenly on Saturday.

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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.

Turner stated on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that the bill would serve as "important symbolism to say, 'We're going to be with Ukraine.'" He urged the Senate to advance the legislation this week. Just days before his death, Graham had announced an agreement with the Trump administration and Democratic senators on an updated sanctions package aimed at increasing economic pressure on Russia to end the war in Ukraine.

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Lindsey Graham was making the point of the need for this sanctions bill.

The proposed sanctions and tariffs target countries doing business with Russia, including those purchasing Russian oil. Graham had been a persistent advocate for this measure for over a year. Last July, he described tighter sanctions as a "sledgehammer" for the U.S. economy against Russia. Despite broad support within the Senate, progress on the bill had been delayed, awaiting administration approval.

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what's so sad about losing Lindsey is, you can be America First and still understand that it doesn't have to be America alone.

Turner, who met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy alongside Graham recently, highlighted Graham's consistent emphasis on the need for the sanctions bill. He lamented the loss of Graham, emphasizing that supporting allies like Ukraine does not preclude an "America First" foreign policy. "Allies want America's voice. America's voice is important. America needs to stand for freedom and democracy and liberty," Turner said, reflecting Graham's commitment to international support.

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Allies want America's voice. America's voice is important. America needs to stand for freedom and democracy and liberty.