Politics & Policy

Published Wed, Sep 16 202611:27 AM EDTUpdated 5 Min Ago

Key Points

  • A Russia sanctions bill introduced by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., nearly a year and a half ago is expected to clear the U.S. House on Wednesday.
  • The bill received overwhelming bipartisan support in the Senate, where it passed in August by a vote of 86-11.
  • It would squeeze Russia by imposing hefty tariffs on the country's top oil buyers.

U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) speaks during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol on April 27, 2026, in Washington, DC.

Heather Diehl | Getty Images

The U.S. House is expected to pass a Russia sanctions bill introduced over a year ago by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., on Wednesday afternoon, sending it to President Donald Trump's desk.

The bill, titled the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, would target Russia's economy, intending to penalize the country over its continued full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The legislation would allow Trump to impose tariffs up to 100% on countries including China and India, that are within the top five purchasers of Russian crude oil or gas. Money from oil sales is critical to funding Russia's war effort. It would also put sanctions on Russian leaders, officials and financial institutions and expand sanctions on Iran.

Senators voted overwhelmingly in favor of the bill last month and passed it by a vote of 86-11 with strong bipartisan support. However, opponents of the bill say it gives Trump too much tariff authority. 

Reps. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., Don Beyer, D-Va., and Richard Neal, D-Ma., said in a joint statement last week that while House Democrats staunchly support Ukraine, this bill would "do more harm than good."

"This bill would dramatically expand presidential tariff authorities while failing to mandate sanctions on Russia, both of which are unacceptable. These flaws would raise Americans' prices while undermining support for Ukraine in the long term," the lawmakers said.