One of Sen. Lindsey Graham\u2019s final priorities before his unexpected death may still become law, according to Senate Majority Leader John Thune.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Republican leader said Monday that passing a bipartisan sanctions package targeting Russia would not only advance U.S. policy toward Ukraine but also serve as a lasting tribute to Graham\u2019s decades of work on national security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thune, R-S.D., said he remains optimistic that the Senate can pass the sweeping Russia sanctions legislation Graham championed before his death, calling it a fitting way to honor the late South Carolina senator\u2019s legacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Graham died Saturday at the age of 71. According to a statement released by his office, the preliminary cause of death was an acute aortic dissection caused by arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Monday, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Graham\u2019s younger sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to temporarily fill the Senate seat until voters elect a successor in November.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Graham had spent much of his final months urging Congress to impose tougher economic sanctions on Russia in response to its ongoing war against Ukraine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just one day before his death, Graham met in Kyiv with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reaffirming his support for continued U.S. assistance and increased pressure on Moscow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following news of Graham\u2019s death, Zelenskyy said he was \u201cdeeply saddened\u201d and praised the senator as one of Ukraine\u2019s strongest supporters in Washington.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Appearing Monday on CNN, Thune told anchor Dana Bash that Graham\u2019s sanctions bill remains a priority for Senate leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When asked whether the legislation would still receive a vote, Thune said he was hopeful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI certainly hope that we can get there to do that,\u201d Thune said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He explained that the White House had worked closely with Graham on the proposal and noted that Democrats had also expressed support for the legislation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Thune, the measure could ultimately receive between 80 and 90 votes in the Senate if lawmakers can agree on the final language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLindsey had been working that issue for a long time,\u201d Thune said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s one of those things he was very passionate about. He wants to see a free and independent Ukraine, as all of us do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thune also described economic sanctions as one of the most important foreign policy tools available to the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe was a big believer that economic sanctions are a huge tool for the president and his administration, for us to achieve that outcome,\u201d Thune said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Senate majority leader suggested the sanctions package had become Graham\u2019s top legislative priority during his final days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis sanctions bill was probably, in his last days, the thing that he cared the most about, in terms of an accomplishment,\u201d Thune said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSo I\u2019m hopeful we can get that done. It\u2019s something we\u2019ve been talking about for a long time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thune concluded by saying passage of the legislation would become a lasting part of Graham\u2019s legacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt would certainly be an incredible legacy for him if, in fact, we could find a path forward,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019ll take Democrats and Republicans here in the Senate to do that. But I\u2019m hopeful we can make that happen.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although the legislation has broad bipartisan support, senators have not yet announced when it could receive a floor vote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n