WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate has overwhelmingly approved legislation that would give President Donald Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on imports from major buyers of Russian oil and natural gas, escalating pressure on Moscow over its war in Ukraine.
The Senate passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by a vote of 86-11 on Friday, advancing a bipartisan measure that had been under negotiation for more than a year. The legislation now moves to the House of Representatives.
The tariff provisions are aimed at countries that are among the largest purchasers of Russian crude oil and natural gas, as well as countries that help Russia evade energy sanctions. The legislation limits the tariff authority to the five largest importers of Russian crude or gas and five leading countries involved in sanctions evasion, according to Senate sponsors.
China and India are among the countries that could face tariffs under the measure because of their purchases of Russian energy. Japan and some European countries could also potentially be affected depending on how the administration applies the authority. The tariffs would not automatically take effect upon Senate passage; the bill gives the president authority to impose them.
The legislation also includes sanctions targeting Russian political figures, financial institutions and the so-called shadow fleet used to transport Russian oil, while extending sanctions related to Iran's energy and weapons sectors.
Supporters say the measure is intended to reduce Russia's energy revenues and increase economic pressure on President Vladimir Putin's government. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the senior Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the tariff provisions were designed to target countries that continue to support Russia's energy economy while limiting the impact on allies that have reduced their reliance on Russian gas.
The bill was named after Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who had been a leading advocate of tougher Russia sanctions before his death. Bipartisan Senate sponsors said the legislation was part of an effort to restrict funding for Russia's war in Ukraine.
The measure faces its next test in the House, where lawmakers have raised concerns about granting the president broad tariff powers and the potential economic consequences of tariffs on major trading partners. The House is expected to consider the legislation after its summer recess.
