U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and U.S. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pennsylvania) have issued a joint statement regarding President Trump’s recent letter to NATO members and the international community.
The two lawmakers are leading sponsors of the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, which has gained support from 85 senators and 100 House members. The legislation aims to cut off funding sources for Russia by targeting countries that continue to purchase Russian oil and gas.
“We are very pleased to see such a strong statement from President Trump, urging America and Europe – primarily NATO nations – to simultaneously impose serious tariffs on China for propping up Putin’s war machine by buying cheap Russian oil and gas,” Graham and Fitzpatrick said in their statement.
They noted that they have been working together on a bill that would allow the president to place significant tariffs on countries including China, India, and Brazil if they continue purchasing Russian energy resources. “We strongly support President Trump’s call for joint action with Europe, and believe this is the right approach to bring maximum economic pressure to bear,” they added.
Graham and Fitzpatrick stated their intention to encourage more lawmakers from both parties to back the legislation this week. They emphasized bipartisan support for giving the president authority to use tariffs as leverage in efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine.
“There is overwhelming bipartisan support for empowering President Trump to use strong tariffs as a tool to help end this war. We firmly believe the combination of sanctions and tariffs, along with the sale of high-end American weapons to Ukraine, is the key to bringing Putin to the table for a just and honorable peace. Well done, Mr. President,” they said.
The lawmakers also called for swift action: “Time is of the essence. We urge our colleagues to consider attaching this legislation to the CR.”
They concluded by stating: “This is more than a matter of policy—it is a test of resolve. The free world must act, and America must lead.”
