Government Shutdown Looms as Congress Returns, Senator Lindsey Graham Intensifies Russia Sanctions Push

August 31, 2025

WASHINGTON - As Congress reconvened after its monthlong August recess, a potential government shutdown by September 30 has taken center stage. Amid fierce partisan debate over federal funding, Senate Republican Lindsey Graham of South Carolina has stepped up his leadership role on foreign policy by urging President Trump to back a bipartisan sanctions bill aimed at punishing nations that finance Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Senators face a tight deadline to pass either a short-term spending extension or risk a shutdown, with Democrats demanding concessions in exchange for votes. Meanwhile, Republicans are considering rule changes to overcome Democratic filibusters on nominations, reflecting deep frustration over stalled confirmations.

In the foreign policy arena, Senator Graham has been a leading voice on tougher economic measures against Russia. He spearheaded a bipartisan sanctions bill, co-sponsored by 85 senators, which would impose steep tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil, gas, uranium and other exports. Despite strong Senate support, President Trump has yet to endorse the legislation, delaying its progress.

Graham’s advocacy intensified after President Trump’s recent meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which did not yield a peace agreement. “If we don’t have this thing moving in the right direction by the time we get back, then I think that plan B needs to kick in,” Graham said in an Associated Press interview, warning that tougher measures would follow without tangible progress in Ukraine.

As the showdown over federal appropriations unfolds on Capitol Hill, Senator Graham’s push for sanctions underscores the Senate GOP’s dual focus on domestic fiscal battles and high-stakes foreign policy initiatives. His commitment to leveraging U.S. economic power against Putin represents a pivotal effort to tighten pressure on Moscow amid ongoing hostilities in Eastern Europe.