Rand Paul Shoots Down GOP’s Russian Sanctions Play: ‘Can’t Believe It’s 82 People On It’

Republican Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul is coming out swinging against bipartisan legislation to impose massive sanctions on Russia and its trading partners, calling the effort “the most ill-conceived bill I have ever seen in my life.”

Senate Majority Leader John Thune signaled Monday that the upper chamber may take up new Russia sanctions legislation in June following more than 80 senators signing onto the legislation. Paul, a libertarian-leaning senator who frequently breaks with his more hawkish Republican colleagues on foreign policy, argued the bill would have devastating consequences for global trade by effectively creating a worldwide economic embargo on the dozens of countries who buy Russian oil and natural gas.

Republican South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham and Democratic Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal, introduced the sanctions legislation in April in an effort to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin to engage in peace talks with Ukraine.

Graham, who is well known for his hawkish views on foreign policy, has labeled the sanction legislation “bone-crushing” and “the most draconian bill I have ever seen in my life” on Russia and its trading partners. The legislation would impose 500% tariffs on dozens of countries — including China and India — who buy Russian oil, gas and other exports. It also requires the tariff rate on goods from certain Russian trading partners imported into the United States to also double every 90 days.

“People who think tariffs are disruptive, can you imagine a 500% tariff on 36 countries? Paul told reporters Monday. “If they don’t , basically we’re at war with these countries. A 500% tariff is war. It’s an economic war with a country. It is literally the most ill-conceived bill I’ve ever seen in Washington.”