Sen. Jeanne Shaheen describes bipartisan package for new Russia sanctions, crediting late Sen. Lindsey Graham’s work

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen said a new bipartisan bill she helped assemble would impose additional sanctions on Russia, using measures she described as a response to Russia’s actions and intended to add pressure while the United States and partners continue to evaluate security and diplomatic options. Shaheen discussed the effort in an interview published July 15 by NPR World, describing the proposal as one that builds on previous, similarly structured sanctions work aimed at constraining Russia’s ability to operate internationally.

Shaheen said the bill reflects a bipartisan approach she previously pursued with the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. She characterized the agreement as a product of working-level negotiations and stated that the measure is designed to be both sanction-focused and enforceable, rather than purely symbolic.

In the interview, Shaheen emphasized the practical purpose of new sanctions: to raise the cost of Russia’s behavior and to limit opportunities for evasion. She did not describe the bill in operational terms in the NPR summary, but she spoke to the rationale for adding another layer of restrictions at a time when U.S. policymakers are continuing to consider how to deter and respond to Russian conduct.

The bill discussion comes as Congress remains engaged in shaping sanctions authority and the scope of U.S. restrictions, often reflecting debates over how quickly measures can be implemented and how they can be targeted. Shaheen’s description, as reported by NPR, framed the proposed legislation as part of that broader legislative effort, with the objective of maintaining pressure through sustained economic and strategic constraints.

Shaheen’s interview also highlighted the continuity of the effort despite Graham no longer serving in the Senate. She portrayed the proposal as carrying forward work she and Graham previously began, presenting the current bill as an attempt to keep sanctions momentum and to prevent gaps that could otherwise be exploited by sanctioned actors.

NPR published Shaheen’s remarks as lawmakers continue to consider Russia policy and the legal mechanisms available to the United States. A next step would be the bill’s movement through the legislative process, including any committee consideration, debate over scope, and final votes, followed by implementation if enacted.

If the bill advances, how its sanctions are defined and enforced would likely determine its near-term impact, including whether it targets specific sectors, entities, or facilitation networks. Shaheen’s remarks, as summarized by NPR, focused on adding sanctions authority rather than detailing the precise affected parties, making further legislative text and government implementation guidance central to assessing who would be covered.