Senators Split on Bills to Honor Lindsey Graham After His Death

Senators are considering multiple bills to honor the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, who died Saturday. The proposals include a Russia sanctions measure Graham had advanced, a cryptocurrency bill, and an elections bill. President Trump posted on Truth Social Monday that the Senate should pass a cryptocurrency bill in Graham's memory.

The president also said on NBC's "Meet the Press" Sunday that he had discussed the elections bill with Graham hours before the senator's death.

Many senators instead support advancing a sanctions bill targeting buyers of Russian oil and gas. Sen. Kevin Cramer said the sanctions measure would be the most logical tribute because Graham had pushed it until his death. The sanctions bill still faces resistance from some Republicans.

Graham had previously believed he secured presidential support for the measure, but it was delayed during negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. President Trump said Monday he was discussing the sanctions legislation but did not state direct support.

He was more explicit in backing the cryptocurrency bill, which he said Graham supported.

Thune said Monday the sanctions bill would be a fitting legacy for Graham. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer urged quick passage, saying Graham would have supported the measure. Sen. John Kennedy said the president would need to publicly endorse the sanctions bill for it to advance. He noted that Graham cared most about the sanctions legislation among the competing proposals.