New York Sen. Chuck Schumer urged the Senate to advance Russia sanctions following Lindsey Graham’s death. Schumer invoked the South Carolina senator while asking Majority Leader John Thune to schedule an immediate vote. His remarks circulated online after he tied the sanctions push directly to Graham’s memory.
Schumer delivered the appeal while paying tribute to Graham on the Senate floor. He offered condolences to Graham’s family, staff and friends following his “sudden passing.”
Schumer said Graham devoted more than three decades to representing South Carolina in Congress. He also described their work together despite “many and vehement disagreements.”
The senators previously worked together on China’s currency practices and the bipartisan Gang of Eight immigration proposal. Schumer said they also shared support for Ukraine following Russia’s invasion.
“I know if Senator Graham were here,” Schumer said, “he would also join me in urging the Senate to support Ukraine.”
Schumer then urged Thune, “in honor of Lindsey,” to place the Russia sanctions bill on the floor immediately. He said the measure would pass overwhelmingly and help Ukraine.
Chuck Schumer Faces Backlash Over Lindsey Graham Sanctions Appeal
Online discussion centered on whether Schumer honored Graham’s position on Ukraine or used his death to advance legislation.
One user wrote, “now he’s trying to cash in on a man’s death to peddle something. Thats no different than what Trump is trying to do with the SAVE act, and its not a good look.” Another stated, “Pass a bill on the merits of the bill alone. Not because someone who should have retired a decade ago died.”
A separate response argued, “It’s performative. Schumer knows Thune will never bring it to a vote, and he knows Trump will never sign it. It’s an empty gesture, like everything Schumer does.” Another user added, “I’m gonna level with you, passing a bill in someone’s memory is stupid.”
Others defended the appeal. One response asked, “For using the death to argue for a good cause that Graham agreed with? What exactly is the problem with this?” Another stated, “There’s nothing wrong with ‘in honor of Lindsey’ in this context.”
Schumer did not announce when the sanctions bill might be brought to a vote. As debate over the proposal continues in Washington, the senator’s remarks have also fueled discussion online, with supporters and critics offering sharply different views on both the legislation and his comments.
