Senate Passes Sweeping Russia and Iran Sanctions Bill: Lankford Says It's the Leverage Trump Needs

The U.S. Senate made a bold move on Thursday, passing the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act with a resounding 86-11 vote. This bipartisan legislation aims to hit Russia where it hurts, the energy sector, by allowing the U.S. to impose tariffs up to 100% on countries that continue to buy Russian oil and gas. That primarily targets heavy buyers like China and India, sending a clear message that funding Putin’s war machine comes at a high cost.

Oklahoma’s Senator James Lankford was quick to champion the bill, stating it gives President Trump“real leverage to change Putin’s calculus.”Lankford sees this as a continuation of the late Senator Lindsey Graham’s work, a strong stance against Russian aggression. The legislation also includes provisions targeting Russian officials, oligarchs, and energy projects, alongside new sanctions on Iran.

The bill now moves to the House of Representatives, where it faces its next test. While the Senate’s support is strong, questions remain about the potential economic impact, especially concerning energy prices and trade relations with major allies. For folks in Lawton, this could eventually ripple through to fuel costs and global market stability. What do you think: is this the right kind of pressure, or are we playing with fire? Let us know in the comments.