Senate Passes Russia Sanctions Bill Honoring Graham

The Senate approved a Russia sanctions bill on Friday. The vote was 86-11. The legislation honors the late Senator Lindsey Graham.

Graham died last month. He championed this bill for years. The Senate named it The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026.

The bill targets Russian oil revenue. It imposes 100% tariffs on top five purchasers of Russian crude. China and India are among those buyers.

Sanctions also target Russian leaders. President Vladimir Putin faces new penalties. Oligarchs and financial institutions are included.

Bipartisan Support and Opposition

Senator Richard Blumenthal praised the bill. He worked with Graham before his death. "These sledgehammer sanctions and tariffs will stop all who are complicit in this murderous, criminal war of aggression against a brave free people," Blumenthal told reporters.

Blumenthal also addressed Ukraine directly. "To the people of Ukraine, we are with you," he said. The bill now moves to the House.

Senator Mazie Hirono voted no. She supports sanctions on Russia. But she worries about giving Trump tariff authority.

"It provides too much room for him to do things that are unpredictable and that actually harms the situation," Hirono told CNBC. House Speaker Mike Johnson faces similar concerns. The House is on recess until September.

House and Presidential Authority

Representatives Gregory Meeks and Don Beyer also raised concerns. They issued a statement on Friday. They worry about the tariff authority given to the president.

Trump already has legal authority for sanctions. He can target Russian leaders and other nations. The bill extends sanctions on Iran at his request.

The bill includes Iran's weapons and energy sectors. This part came from Trump's request. The House may face a close vote.

Oil revenue funds Russia's military action. The bill aims to cut that funding. Its path in the House remains uncertain.