Lindsey Graham's legacy invoked on the House floor--262/159

House sends sweeping Russia-Iran sanctions bill to Trump's desk in honor of late Sen. Lindsey Graham

The House passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act by a 262, 159 vote Wednesday, sending a bill that authorizes tariffs of up to 100 percent on countries buying Russian energy to President Trump, who is expected to sign it into law.

The legislation clears Congress with broad bipartisan margins after the Senate approved it last month 86, 11. It marks the final major piece of unfinished business championed by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who died at 71 following a trip to Ukraine where he pressed lawmakers to act on the very sanctions package that now bears his name.

Rep. Michael McCaul, the Texas Republican who led the floor fight for passage, framed the vote in personal and strategic terms. He told colleagues the bill would force Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table and keep his ambitions in check, preventing him from pushing deeper into Eastern Europe.

McCaul did not let the moment pass without honoring the man whose name is on the bill. As the New York Post reported, McCaul delivered a direct appeal to his colleagues:

"Lindsey Graham once said this bill would be his great achievement. I can think of no better way... to honor his life and his legacy than by passing these tough sanctions."

He added a broader call to action.

"Evil is on the march, history is calling, and now is the time to act."

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