The United States Senate voted 86 to 11 on August 7, 2026, to approve the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The legislation locks in existing restrictions and grants the president power to levy heavy tariffs against major buyers of Russian energy.
Senate Passes Sanctions Bill Named for Late Author
The Senate advanced the sweeping bipartisan legislation on the final day of work before a five-week summer recess. The measure crossed the floor with 86 votes in favor and 11 opposed, reflecting broad legislative backing for a tougher posture against Moscow and Tehran.
The proposal carries the name of the late Republican senator who originally championed the effort. Following the lawmaker’s death in July, congressional supporters rallied behind the initiative to push it through the upper chamber.
Darlen Graham Nordon, who took her brother’s senate seat, stated that this law hits Putin in a sore spot as the legislative package moved forward.
Tariffs and Economic Restrictions Target Energy Importers
Beyond traditional financial freezes, the legislation introduces a mechanism allowing the executive branch to levy tariffs of up to 100% on imports from the top five countries purchasing Russian oil and gas, or assisting in sanctions evasion. Key nations affected by these potential measures include major buyers such as China and India.
An earlier iteration of the bill proposed tariffs reaching 500% before legislators refined the scope down to the current 100% cap. Ahead of the vote, senators rejected a separate amendment that would have stripped the president of these tariff-imposing authorities.
The document formalizes restrictions on the Central Bank of Russia, Sberbank, and Gazprombank, alongside major energy undertakings including the Yamal LNG venture, three Arctic LNG projects, and future Arctic energy developments. It also targets vessels operating within the Russian shadow fleet.
Executive Power Balances Congress and the White House
The legislative package codifies restrictions previously enacted via presidential executive orders, shifting them into statutory law. This adjustment prevents any future administration from lifting the curbs by simple executive order alone, requiring formal congressional notification instead.
At the same time, the text preserves considerable discretion for Donald Trump, granting the president authority to suspend penalties or issue waivers when deemed in the national interest. Analysts point out that this compromise reconciled varying factions within Washington, satisfying lawmakers who sought permanent statutory restrictions while accommodating the White House’s demand for diplomatic flexibility.
Next Legislative Steps in the House
With the Senate vote concluded, the legislative package moves to the House of Representatives. Lower chamber lawmakers are scheduled to review the bill when they return from recess in September, where some debate is anticipated over the newly introduced tariff authorities.
If the House passes the measure without amendments, it will proceed to the White House for a presidential signature. Upon enactment, the executive branch will face a 30-day window to implement the mandated restrictions and will be required to review them on a semiannual basis.
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