GOP senator says Graham ‘really felt he was making great strides’ on Russia sanctions bill before death
GOP Senator Says Graham Felt Progress on Russia Sanctions
Colleague Recalls Graham's Confidence Before Passing
GOP senator says Graham really felt - GOP senator says Graham really believed he was advancing his Russia sanctions legislation in his final weeks. Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota shared these reflections on Sunday following the death of his South Carolina colleague, Sen. Lindsey Graham, who died at age 71 from a sudden illness. According to Rounds, Graham had been particularly encouraged by developments on the bipartisan sanctions bill before his passing.
The two senators had recently traveled together to Ankara, Turkey, for the NATO summit. During their visit, they met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky among other officials. Rounds described the relationship between Graham and Zelensky as more than just diplomatic—it was a genuine personal friendship that had grown over years of cooperation.
"We were just in Ankara, Turkey for the NATO summit together. He came in. We met with, among others, [Ukrainian] President [Volodymyr] Zelensky. Clearly, they had a good personal friendship as well," Rounds said during an appearance on NewsNation's "The Hill Sunday."
A Bipartisan Effort Nearing Completion
Graham had spent more than twelve months developing comprehensive sanctions legislation targeting Russia. His approach brought together lawmakers from both parties, and he viewed the timing of his death as coinciding with a pivotal moment in the legislative process. Congress was preparing to return for its upcoming session when Graham passed away.
"But he was very proud of the work he was doing with regard to the Russian sanctions bill that he's been working on for over a year on a bipartisan basis. And he really felt he was making great strides to be able to put it all together when we come back into session this week," he added.
Rounds' comments followed an official announcement from Graham alongside three fellow senators: Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, and Roger Wicker of Mississippi. The four lawmakers revealed they had successfully negotiated with the White House to finalize the proposed sanctions package language.
"As Russia intensifies its slaughter of civilians, it is imperative that the legislative and executive branches work together to create tools to exact a heavy price on those who buy Russian oil and natural gas, fueling the Putin war machine," the four lawmakers collectively wrote.
Graham's Ukraine Mission and Legacy
Graham's death came as he was undertaking his tenth visit to Ukraine. During this trip, he held discussions with President Zelensky about implementing long-range economic sanctions against Russia. These conversations occurred as the conflict approached its fourth year, continuing to impact Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure significantly.
Zelensky publicly shared his grief on Sunday through a message on the social media platform X. The Ukrainian president honored Graham as a steadfast champion who had worked tirelessly to build bipartisan and bicameral support for Ukraine within the American political system.
"America and the world have lost a determined leader," the Ukrainian president later added.
Devotion to American Interests
Rounds emphasized Graham's unwavering commitment to American interests on the global stage. He described his colleague as someone who placed his duties above personal comfort, readily traveling overseas whenever his presence was required. This dedication extended to Graham's broader vision for America's role in international affairs.
"On Sunday, Rounds said Graham 'was one of these guys who really was devoted to the United States.' 'He was devoted to his job. Wherever he felt he was needed, he was going to go. And that meant overseas a lot,' he added."
As a self-described hawk in foreign policy matters, Graham maintained that the United States possessed both the responsibility and the capability to serve as a stabilizing force worldwide. He was willing to articulate this position clearly, even when it required taking a firm stance on controversial issues. Beyond his political achievements, Rounds remembered Graham as a genuine friend whose warmth and dedication left a lasting impression on those who worked alongside him.