Former Vice President Mike Pence is urging Congress to rename a bipartisan sanctions package targeting Russia in honor of the late Senator Lindsey Graham. Pence stated that Graham's extensive efforts over many years to impose stricter sanctions on Russia should serve as both his legislative legacy and a lasting testament to his steadfast support for Ukraine and America's allies.
Pence asserted that lawmakers have a unique opportunity to recognize Graham's contributions by passing the sanctions legislation he championed for years and sending it to President Donald Trump with the senator's name affixed.
According to Pence, Graham viewed Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a pivotal geopolitical challenge of our time. The senator firmly believed that economic pressure was crucial for compelling Russian President Vladimir Putin to engage in negotiations.
"He never had any illusions about who we were dealing with — with Vladimir Putin," Pence remarked.
Pence, who has visited Ukraine twice since the Russian invasion began, explained that Graham deeply understood Ukraine's role as a "frontier of freedom." Graham consistently advocated for both Republican and Democratic administrations to firmly support America's global partners.
When asked if this sanctions legislation could ultimately be considered Graham's most significant accomplishment, Pence suggested it could indeed be a defining aspect of how history remembers the veteran senator.
"I think it could be," Pence said.
Pence also highlighted Graham's decades-long advocacy for Israel, Ukraine, and a more robust NATO alliance, noting the senator's remarkable consistency throughout his public service career.
Additionally, Pence credited Graham with playing an important role in encouraging NATO member states to increase their defense spending during the first Trump administration, while simultaneously remaining one of Israel's most ardent supporters on Capitol Hill.
A Final Airport Encounter
For Pence, however, Graham's final legislative push is inextricably linked to one of their last personal discussions.
Pence vividly recalls the meeting. He and his wife, Karen, had just arrived at Reagan National Airport and were navigating the terminal when they noticed Graham heading toward a different gate.
As was his custom, Graham began by inquiring about Pence's family. The senator sought updates on Pence's son, a Marine Corps fighter pilot, and his son-in-law, a Navy fighter pilot. Pence noted that Graham consistently remembered to ask about them.
After a brief personal exchange, their conversation quickly shifted to the critical issue that consumed Graham's attention in his final months.
"We went straight into a conversation about Ukraine sanctions," Pence recounted.
Pence thanked Graham for spearheading the effort and mentioned an opinion piece in The Wall Street Journal advocating for stronger sanctions against Russia. Graham immediately leaned in, emphasizing his point.
"He did one of those — puts his finger in my chest — and said, 'You just stay on this. This is the way we're gonna get this done. This is the way you bring Putin to the table.'"
The two men shared an embrace before proceeding to their separate gates.
"We parted with a handshake and a hug," Pence stated.
Reflecting on that brief airport meeting, Pence said it perfectly encapsulated the man he had known for decades. Graham enjoyed discussing family and was always ready with a joke, Pence recalled, but personal conversation rarely lasted long before he redirected to matters of public policy.
"He was a very serious legislator," Pence commented. "He was a man who was deeply committed to policy."
Pence emphasized that Graham's convictions never wavered, whether the topic was supporting the military, standing with Israel, protecting unborn life, or confronting authoritarian regimes such as Russia, Iran, and China.
"He never wavered," Pence affirmed.
A Call to Action
The former vice president shared that he learned of Graham's passing on Sunday morning and remains profoundly saddened by the loss of someone he first met during the Republican Revolution of the 1990s. They later served together in Congress and subsequently in the Trump administration.
"I was taken aback by the news," Pence said. "I really, really have a heavy heart, to this hour."
Pence expressed his hope that lawmakers will complete the work Graham dedicated years to advancing.
"I really do believe there would be no more fitting tribute to the life and vision of Senator Lindsey Graham than for Congress to pass and the president to sign the tough Russia sanctions bill," Pence declared.
He added, "I'm going to continue to champion that in the days ahead."
