WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate on Friday overwhelmingly passed sweeping legislation imposing new sanctions on Russia and authorizing tariffs on major buyers of Russian oil and gas, advancing a long-delayed measure to increase economic pressure on Moscow over its war in Ukraine.
The Senate voted 86-11 to approve the “Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026,” named after the late Republican senator who spent more than a year negotiating the legislation. The package also extends sanctions targeting Iran.
If enacted, the measure would give President Donald Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries among the largest purchasers of Russian crude oil or natural gas, including China and India. It also provides for sanctions on senior Russian officials, financial institutions, energy projects and oil tankers used to evade existing restrictions.
The Senate rejected an amendment that would have removed the tariff authority. Some lawmakers have raised concerns that the powers could increase costs for U.S. consumers and importers.
The legislation now moves to the House of Representatives, where it faces further consideration. The House is scheduled to return from its summer recess on Aug. 31, according to Reuters.
