The U.S. Senate voted 86-12 on July 28 to begin debating sweeping sanctions legislation targeting Russian energy exports and extending penalties against Iran.
The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 authorizes tariffs of up to 100% on the five largest buyers of Russian oil and gas, including China and India, and sanctions Russian officials, oligarchs, financial institutions and the shadow fleet. President Donald Trump backed the measure after Iran sanctions were added. Democrats have raised concerns that the tariff provisions grant the president excessive authority.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, in Washington for Graham's funeral, met with senators and Trump. Senator Richard Blumenthal said the bill sends a message to Vladimir Putin. The legislation faces further Senate procedural votes before moving to the House of Representatives, which reconvenes in September.