U.S. President Donald Trump (R) and U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) speak to the media aboard Air Force One enroute to Washington, DC on January 04, 2026. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
The bill seeks to dry up funding for Russia's war machine, both by targeting Russian industries as well as other countries that purchase Russian oil, such as China and India.
Agreement on the bill came just as U.S. forces on Wednesday seized two sanctioned tankers in the Atlantic Ocean. The first was the Russian-flagged Marinera oil tanker in the North Atlantic Sea, while the second was the M/T Sophia, in the Caribbean.
The North Atlantic Sea seizure comes after the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday that Russia had sent a submarine and other naval assets to escort the tanker.
'IRREGULAR' ARMED GUARDS ABOARD RUSSIAN SHADOW TANKERS ALARM NORDIC-BALTIC GOVERNMENTS
U.S. forces seized the Russian-flagged Marinera oil tanker in the North Atlantic Sea, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, according to the U.S. military. (US European Command)
Meanwhile, U.S. forces say the M/T Sophia was conducting "illicit activities" in the Caribbean and is being escorted by the U.S. Coast Guard to the United States for "final disposition."
"Through Operation Southern Spear, the Department of War is unwavering in its mission to crush illicit activity in the Western Hemisphere. We will defend our Homeland and restore security and strength across the Americas," said SOUTHCOM.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
U.S. Navy SEALs flown by the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment ("Night Stalkers") seized the sanctioned Marinera tanker, previously named Bella 1, between Iceland and Britain, officials told Fox News.
Fox News' Ashley Carnahan and Lucas Tomlinson contributed to this report.
Anders Hagstrom is a reporter with Fox News Digital covering national politics and major breaking news events. Send tips to Anders.Hagstrom@Fox.com, or on X: @Hagstrom_Anders.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/lindsey-graham-says-trump-backs-russia-sanctions-bill