During the final months of his life, Graham devoted much of his attention to advancing tougher economic sanctions against Russia in response to its ongoing war in Ukraine. Just one day before his death, he traveled to Kyiv, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to reaffirm his support for continued American assistance and increased economic pressure on Moscow.
Following news of Graham’s passing, Zelenskyy paid tribute to the longtime senator, saying he was “deeply saddened” and describing Graham as one of Ukraine’s strongest supporters in Washington.
Appearing on CNN with Dana Bash, Thune said Senate leaders continue to view Graham’s sanctions proposal as an important priority. When asked whether the measure would still receive a vote despite Graham’s death, Thune expressed optimism that lawmakers could reach agreement.
“I certainly hope that we can get there to do that,” Thune said.
Thune explained that the White House had worked closely with Graham throughout the legislative process and noted that many Democrats have also backed the proposal. According to the Senate majority leader, the final bill could receive overwhelming bipartisan support if lawmakers settle on the remaining language.
“Lindsey had been working that issue for a long time,” Thune said. “It’s one of those things he was very passionate about. He wants to see a free and independent Ukraine, as all of us do.”
The Senate leader also emphasized Graham’s long-held belief that economic sanctions represent one of Washington’s strongest foreign policy tools. He said Graham consistently viewed sanctions as an effective way to advance U.S. strategic objectives without direct military involvement.
“He was a big believer that economic sanctions are a huge tool for the president and his administration, for us to achieve that outcome,” Thune said.
According to Thune, the sanctions legislation became Graham’s top legislative focus during the final days of his life. He said the senator viewed the bill as one of the most significant accomplishments he hoped to leave behind.
“This sanctions bill was probably, in his last days, the thing that he cared the most about, in terms of an accomplishment,” Thune said. “So I’m hopeful we can get that done. It’s something we’ve been talking about for a long time.”
The legislation currently has 60 Senate co-sponsors, reflecting broad bipartisan backing. Lawmakers are expected to consider the measure for a vote next week, making it one of the chamber’s most closely watched foreign policy initiatives.
Thune said that if Congress ultimately approves the legislation, it would become an enduring part of Graham’s public service record.
“It would certainly be an incredible legacy for him if, in fact, we could find a path forward,” he said. “It’ll take Democrats and Republicans here in the Senate to do that. But I’m hopeful we can make that happen.”
As currently written, the proposal would impose tougher economic sanctions on Russia over its continuing war against Ukraine. The measure would also expand presidential authority to target Russian financial institutions, energy exports, and other key sectors of the country’s economy.
Supporters of the bill argue that increasing economic pressure on Moscow would further weaken Russia’s ability to finance its military operations while reinforcing continued U.S. backing for Ukraine. Graham repeatedly maintained that stronger sanctions were an essential component of America’s strategy toward the conflict.
Lawmakers from both political parties have pointed to Graham’s decades of involvement in national security and foreign policy debates as they continue working to advance the legislation. With significant bipartisan support already in place, Senate leaders are now focused on building the final consensus needed to send the bill to the president’s desk.
Whether the legislation ultimately becomes law remains to be seen, but Senate leaders have made clear that Graham’s efforts on the issue will remain central to the debate. If the measure passes, it would not only mark a major development in U.S. policy toward Russia and Ukraine, but also serve as one of the final legislative achievements associated with Graham’s long career in the Senate.
