WASHINGTON — In a unified stand against Russian energy exports, a majority of senators have rallied behind legislation that strictly prohibits the purchase of Russian oil, provided the buyer is not one of 15 exempted European nations.

The bill imposes a 100% tariff on India, China, Slovakia, Hungary, and Azerbaijan in an effort to isolate the Russian economy. "Our message to Moscow is unequivocal," said a committee spokesperson. "If you sell gas to anyone other than our closest strategic partners, the nations buying it will face severe American financial penalties."

The legislation gained fresh momentum this week as a tribute to its chief architect, the recently deceased Senator Lindsey Graham. Records show the original April 2025 "Sanctioning Russia Act" sought to impose 500% tariffs, but the penalty was softened to 100% as lawmakers secured geopolitical leverage and reduced competition for domestic oil producers.

"This is a moral line in the sand," the spokesperson added, adjusting a stack of European exemption forms. "You simply cannot fund the Russian state, unless you really need the gas, in which case we completely understand."