I’m sipping my coffee and reading about the Senate passing a major Russia sanctions bill, and I’ve got to say, it’s a big deal. The bill, named after the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, who played a key role in the negotiations, passed with a bipartisan vote of 86 to 11. I mean, that’s not something you see every day in Washington. The bill would place mandatory sanctions on top figures in the Russian government, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as Russian oligarchs, state-owned enterprises, and foreign companies supporting Russia’s defense industrial base.
Now, I know some folks might be thinking, “What’s the big deal about sanctions?” Well, let me tell you, it’s a big deal. These sanctions could have a significant impact on Russia’s economy, and that’s exactly what the bill’s supporters are hoping for. The bill would also impose up to a 100% tariff on countries that purchase Russian crude oil and natural gas, with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer determining the final tariff level. That’s a pretty significant stick to wave at countries that are thinking about doing business with Russia.
I’ve been reading about how Sen. Graham announced the deal on the bill just a day before he passed away, standing in front of tanks in the streets of Kyiv, Ukraine. Talk about going out with a bang. His colleagues rallied around the bill after his death, casting it as a “fitting legacy” for the senator-statesman. Senate Armed Services Chairman Roger Wicker even declared it Graham’s “greatest achievement.” That’s some high praise, if you ask me.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was in the Senate gallery, watching the vote, and he told reporters that the bill is “very important” and would send a “big signal to Europe, big signal to Ukraine.” I’m not sure what kind of signal it will send, but I’m sure it will be interesting to watch. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, the lead Democratic co-sponsor of the bill, said that Graham never gave up on the bill, even when he was frustrated with the president. That’s the kind of dedication that gets things done in Washington.
Now, I know some of you might be thinking, “Big Elephant, this all sounds very serious.” And you’re right, it is. But let’s not forget that this is Washington we’re talking about. There’s always some drama, some intrigue, and some good old-fashioned politicking going on. I mean, Sen. Elizabeth Warren was saying just a few weeks ago that she’s been calling for tougher sanctions against Russia for a year and a half. Bless her heart, she’s been consistent, I’ll give her that.
The Senate did vote on an amendment to change the tariff language in the package, but it failed. And Sen. Raphael Warnock had been pushing for an amendment that would exempt countries that drop out of the top five importers of Russian oil from the tariffs, but he withdrew that demand after Greer made some promises in writing. It’s all a bit of a game, folks, but I suppose that’s just how it works in Washington.
As I finish up my coffee, I’ve got to say that this Russia sanctions bill is a big deal. It’s got some teeth, and it’s got the potential to make a real difference. And who knows, maybe it will even send a signal to Europe and Ukraine, just like Zelensky said. But for now, I’m just going to sit back, sip my coffee, and enjoy the show. After all, as the saying goes, “you can’t make this stuff up.” Or can you? 🙄
Armchair patriot. Believes in the free market, cold beer, and that there’s always a guy named George behind every CNN segment.
Former remote-throwing champion turned #1 couch commentator on liberal panic in the media. Born in Texas (or so his mug says), he earned a degree in Fake Newsology & Beer Philosophy from YouTube University.
