The Senate is back in session after Senators voted overwhelmingly Tuesday night to advance a sweeping Russia sanctions bill, The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 that Senator Graham (R-South Carolina) had long sought to move forward before his unexpected death. The 86 to 12 procedural vote tees up the bill for final passage in the upper chamber later this week. It would sanction Russian leaders, its energy sector and shadow fleet. It also would extend certain sanctions on Iran — a last-minute addition after lawmakers struck a deal to expand the scope of the legislation earlier Tuesday. The bill, which has 62 co-sponsors, is widely expected to pass in the upper chamber. The legislation’s path toward passage is likely but not guaranteed, as House lawmakers adjourned for August recess before taking it up. While House Democrats are likely to push back on the legislation over concerns that it grants Trump wider tariff authority, the bill has broad bipartisan support — and the White House’s blessing.
Tariffs on Global Buyers– Authorizes the U.S. President to levy discretionary tariffs of up to 100% on imported goods from the top five purchasers of Russian oil and natural gas, directly aimed at curbing energy imports by countries like China and India.
Direct Tariffs on Russia– Imposes a baseline tariff of up to 500% on remaining Russian imports entering the United States.
Crackdown on the “Shadow Fleet”- Expands mandatory sanctions to encompass older, reflagged maritime vessels that Russia utilizes to clandestinely transport crude oil and bypass western energy caps.
Financial and Elite Restrictions– Expands the list of blockaded Russian banks and increases economic restrictions on Russian political elites, oligarchs, and state-owned entities.
Iran Sanctions Extension– At the specific request of the Trump administration, the bill extends separate sanctions targeting Iran’s weapons and energy sectors through 2031 to reflect the defense cooperation between Tehran and Moscow.
