In a significant bipartisan move, the U.S. Senate voted 86-12 on Tuesday to advance a bill designed to impose harsher sanctions on Russia and Iran. The legislation specifically targets buyers of Russian oil and gas, seeking to economically isolate both countries as they navigate current military engagements.

The vote took place following a closed-door meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and a memorial tribute to the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who was a primary champion of the bill. While the vote was procedural, Senate leadership has expressed optimism that the overwhelming support signals a clear path toward final passage of the legislation.

There is a slight discrepancy in the reporting regarding the opposition. Axios reports that Senator Rand Paul was the only Republican to vote against the measure, while The Hill notes the total vote count was 86-12 without explicitly detailing the party affiliation of all dissenting members. Both outlets agree that the bill represents a rare moment of bipartisan consensus in the current legislative climate, with the primary goal being the economic restriction of Russia and Iran through expanded sanctions.