WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate on Friday passed sweeping legislation targeting Russia’s energy revenues and expanding sanctions on Moscow, sending the measure to the House of Representatives for consideration.
The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 passed 86-11 in a bipartisan vote. The legislation was championed by the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who died last month after years of pushing for tougher measures against Russia.
The bill would impose sanctions on Russian officials, financial institutions and other entities, including Russia’s so-called shadow fleet of vessels used to transport oil and evade sanctions. It would also allow President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on imports from major buyers of Russian oil and gas.
The measure limits the tariff authority to the five largest importers of Russian crude oil or gas and five countries identified as helping Russia evade energy sanctions. China and India are among countries that could be affected, although any tariffs would depend on presidential action.
The legislation also extends sanctions targeting Iran’s energy and weapons sectors that are otherwise due to expire at the end of the year.
The Senate rejected an amendment that would have removed the new tariff authority. Senator Rand Paul, a Republican who opposed the measure, was the only Republican among the 11 senators voting against final passage.
The bill now goes to the House, which is scheduled to return from its summer recess on Aug. 31. It must pass the House and be signed by Trump before becoming law.
