House Passes Sweeping Russia Sanctions Bill, Sends to President
The House passed the Lindsey O. Graham Russia sanctions bill 262-159, now headed to the President.
Why it matters: The bill marks Congress's effort to curb Russian war funding through tough economic measures, impacting international business and compliance obligations. It also signals bipartisan resolve to shape U.S. foreign policy via sanctions law.
- The bill passes House 262-159 and Senate 86-11, named after late Senator Lindsey Graham.
- Allows tariffs up to 100% on top five Russian oil and gas importers including China and India, with exceptions.
- Extends Iran sanctions for five years, a key addition to secure presidential support.
- 58 Democrats joined most Republicans in supporting; Democrats raised concerns over expanded presidential tariff powers.
On September 16, 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by a vote of 262-159. The legislation now awaits President Donald Trump's signature.
The bill empowers the President to impose tariffs of up to 100% on the top five purchasers of Russian oil and natural gas, including major importers like China and India. Exceptions are made for countries importing less than 15% of their natural gas from Russia and those actively reducing reliance on these imports.
Beyond tariffs, the act targets Russian officials, banks, and the "shadow fleet" of tankers that transport Russian oil. The goal is to deprive President Vladimir Putin of financial resources fueling the war in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had publicly urged U.S. lawmakers to back the bill to support Ukraine's defense effort.
The bill also extends sanctions on Iran for five years, a provision added to solidify President Trump's backing.
Senate approval came earlier in August by an 86-11 bipartisan vote, following protracted negotiations led by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who passed away in July 2026 after visiting Kyiv and announcing a deal with the White House to push the legislation.
House support was largely bipartisan, with 203 Republicans and 58 Democrats voting in favor, despite opposition from 152 Democrats concerned about unrestricted presidential tariff authority. Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) criticized the bill for potential tariff overreach without oversight, while Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) called it a "moral issue" requiring courage to end the war.
House Speaker Mike Johnson remarked, "For too long, Putin has bankrolled this devastating war with money and resources from countries willing to look the other way, and today, that ends." Senator Richard Blumenthal emphasized, "To Vladimir Putin – we have your number. And to Ukraine – you are not alone."
The legislation represents a significant congressional push to influence U.S. foreign policy through comprehensive economic sanctions, affecting global trade and compliance frameworks.
By the numbers:
- 262-159 — House vote tally
- 86-11 — Senate vote tally
- 100% — Maximum tariffs allowed on key Russian energy importers
Yes, but: Some Democrats worry the bill grants unchecked tariff authority to the President without oversight or expiration, risking diplomatic tensions.
What's next: Following the House vote, the bill now awaits President Trump's signature to become law and for sanctions enforcement to begin.