Fitzpatrick Leads Bipartisan Sanctions Effort to Cut Off the Lifelines Sustaining Putin’s War

Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act targets Russia's banks, energy revenues, shadow fleet, and global enablers while strengthening the path to a just and lasting peace

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus and a longtime leader in Congress on Ukraine and confronting Russian aggression, introduced the bipartisan Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, a comprehensive sanctions package designed to strike at the financial architecture sustaining Vladimir Putin's war against Ukraine, hold accountable the governments and institutions enabling his aggression, and strengthen the leverage necessary to secure a just and lasting peace.

Named in honor of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, the legislation carries forward more than a year of bipartisan work to deprive Putin of the resources necessary to sustain his war and increase the economic and strategic pressure required to bring it to an end.

Additional co-sponsors include House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Emeritus Michael McCaul (R-Texas), Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) fellow Congressional Ukraine Caucus Co-Chairs Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), House Baltic Caucus Co-Chair Don Bacon (R-NE), House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL), and Representatives Jake Auchincloss (D-MA), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Mike Turner (R-OH), Gabe Vasquez (D-NM), Ann Wagner (R-MO), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Andy Barr (R-KY), Ed Case (D-HI), Eugene Vindman (D-VA), Nathaniel Moran (R-TX), and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA).

"Senator Graham believed, as I do, that American strength remains the surest guardian of peace," said Fitzpatrick. "That conviction guided our work together on this legislation. Putin's war machine runs on oil, money, and the willingness of others to look the other way-and the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 attacks all three. It isolates Russia's banks, shuts down the networks financing its aggression, and forces every government and company enabling this war to make a choice. By increasing the cost of Putin's war and reducing his ability to sustain it, this legislation strengthens the path to a just and lasting peace-one determined by Ukraine, not imposed by Moscow. The most fitting tribute Congress can offer Lindsey is to finish the work he began, carry forward the cause of freedom he championed, and make clear that America will not reward aggression, subsidize it through indifference, or abandon those defending their sovereign right to live free."<_u53a_p>

Earlier this month, an overwhelming bipartisan majority in the Senate voted to pass companion legislation, by a vote of 86-11, led by Sens. Darline Graham (R-S.C.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Jim Risch (R-Idaho). The text of the House bill is identical to the text that passed the Senate. <_u53a_p>

"This legislation was deeply important to my brother, Lindsey, and I'm grateful that it has achieved such a wide coalition of support. Lindsey was committed to achieving a peaceful resolution to this war, and I'm confident that these sanctions will pave the way," said Sen. Darline Graham. "I'm grateful to Rep. McCaul for leading this effort in the House. The Senate came together in a strong, bipartisan fashion to pass the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, and I hope the House of Representatives will do the same. Russia has waged war against Ukraine for far too long, and this bill assists President Trump in his noble efforts to bring it to a close." <_u53a_p>

"Representatives McCaul, Hoyer, Wilson, Kaptur, and Fitzpatrick are longtime champions of Ukraine's cause and I am glad to have them leading our legislation in the House of Representatives. After a massive bipartisan vote in the Senate, we are eager to turn to the House as we fight to get this legislation across the finish line. There is immense urgency in getting this done - July set a record for Russia's use of ballistic missiles, killing and wounding dozens of Ukrainians, including many children. Cutting off the source of funding - profits from oil and gas - for these deadly weapons and Russia's war machine is essential to ending the bloodshed," said Sen. Blumenthal.<_u53a_p>

The legislation establishes a broad sanctions framework aimed at the principal sources of political, financial, and commercial support sustaining Russia's war. Among its provisions, the bill would:<_u53a_p>

1. Target Russia's political and economic power structure, including senior Russian officials, oligarchs, entities supporting Russia's defense industrial base, and foreign actors materially assisting Moscow's military operations or efforts to undermine Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity, democratic institutions, and critical infrastructure.<_u53a_p>
2. Strike at Russia's financial system, including sanctions against major Russian financial institutions and certain foreign financial institutions conducting significant transactions with sanctioned Russian banks.<_u53a_p>
3. Disrupt Russia's shadow fleet and sanctions-evasion networks by targeting vessels used to move Russian oil and other sanctioned goods, as well as owners, operators, insurers, ports, and other actors knowingly facilitating those operations.<_u53a_p>
4. Restrict Russia's access to capital and energy investment by prohibiting new U.S. investment in Russia, limiting investment in Russia's energy sector, prohibiting purchases of Russian sovereign debt, and targeting financial messaging services used to circumvent sanctions.<_u53a_p>
5. Increase pressure on Russia's energy revenues by authorizing duties of up to 500 percent on goods imported from Russia and targeted duties of up to 100 percent on goods from countries that rank among the largest purchasers of Russian-origin crude oil or natural gas or the leading facilitators of Russian oil sanctions evasion.<_u53a_p>
6. Preserve critical sanctions authorities against Iran by extending the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 through 2031.<_u53a_p>

Importantly, the legislation also establishes a clear standard for lifting Russia-related sanctions. Under the bill, the President may terminate those sanctions only after certifying to Congress that Russia has signed a peace agreement accepted by the free and independent Government of Ukraine and has ceased military hostilities and activities aimed at overthrowing, dismantling, or subverting the Ukrainian government.<_u53a_p>

"Senator Graham was a national security giant, a statesman of unmatched conviction, and a personal friend and mentor. We shared a fundamental worldview: America is strongest at home when it projects strength abroad. That's why he fought so hard for this bill, which I promised him months ago I would introduce in the House," said McCaul. "As President Zelensky told me last month when I visited Ukraine, he is ready for a ceasefire - ready to negotiate, as he has been for years. Putin, on the other hand, consistently defies President Trump and the international community by refusing to come to the table. I can think of no better way to honor Senator Graham's life and legacy than by passing these tough sanctions, which will help force Putin into negotiations and bring us closer to securing Lindsey's vision of enduring peace in two critical regions of the world." <_u53a_p>

"Democracy is presently under threat from despotism, and Congress must act to defend democracy and help Ukraine defeat Vladimir Putin's effort to extinguish its liberty and sovereignty. Our legislation goes after multiple sources of Russian war funding, including its oil and gas sectors, shadow fleet, and financial institutions. I'm encouraged that the Senate passed the companion legislation last week with overwhelming support, and I thank former Chairman McCaul for partnering with me to facilitate action by the House. This action has been delayed too long and will, hopefully, accelerate Ukraine's success and the ending of this war, one that was initiated illegally by Putin and that has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths of Russians and Ukrainians. I hope that we can secure bipartisan consensus in the House and enact a sanctions package that will stem the flow of money to Russia's war machine and contribute to a Ukrainian victory," said Hoyer.<_u53a_p>

"Senator Lindsey Graham and I shared the belief that opposing dictators in defense of freedom and liberty is always the right thing to do. War criminal Putin is losing his invasion of sovereign Ukraine and the threat to humanity posed by the Iranian regime is dire. It is time for Congress to give President Trump the strongest tools available to choke off Russia's war machine for the good of mankind and cripple the ability of Tehran to continue sowing chaos in the region and beyond. My friend and colleague worked tirelessly in championing these critical initiatives, and I am grateful to help advance them across the finish line in the House," said Wilson.<_u53a_p>

"Dictator Vladimir Putin's illegal invasion of Ukraine is failing-Ukraine is battering Russian war infrastructure and the Kremlin is losing tens of thousands of troops each month. Now is the time to intensify pressure on Putin through crippling sanctions while surging support for our Ukrainian allies," said Kaptur. "Putin will not make peace until he is forced to. I have been a supporter of every bipartisan sanctions bill on the table to pressure Russia to end its illegal full-scale invasion, and I am confident that the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 will accomplish that mission. Designed to protect our allies who aid Ukraine while squeezing Putin and the countries that enable his invasion, the sweeping sanctions and targeted tariffs in this bill are the best chance we have to get bipartisan legislation signed into law to hold Russia accountable and achieve peace."<_u53a_p>

"Putin's illegal war is failing, but he will not choose peace until the cost becomes too high for Russia and those helping fund his brutality," said Bacon. "Senator Lindsey Graham was one of Congress's clearest voices for Ukraine, understood that Putin only responds to strength, and worked until his final days to advance the toughest sanctions package yet against Russia's war machine. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act would impose crippling pressure on Russia and those enabling Putin's aggression, honor Sen. Graham's commitment to Ukraine's fight for freedom, and make clear that America stands with Ukraine."<_u53a_p>

"Since 2022, I have called on both Biden and Trump to empower Ukraine to win this war through both strikes and sanctions on Russian oil infrastructure. The strikes are finally happening, and with this bill the sanctions are coming," said Auchincloss. <_u53a_p>

"I am proud to join in introducing this legislation to sanction Vladimir Putin and his thugs as well as the Iran and its terrorist regime," said Rogers. "Every dollar denied to Vladimir Putin weakens his war machine. By choking off the oil and gas revenue fueling Russia's aggression, this legislation gives President Trump powerful leverage to force Putin into serious negotiations that deliver a truly lasting peace. Including additional sanctions on Iran is equally critical given the terrorist regime's continued threats to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and its role in enabling Russia's war against Ukraine. This legislation strengthens America's hand against adversaries who threaten American security, our allies, and global stability."<_u53a_p>

"Vladimir Putin and the regime in Tehran are two of the gravest threats to America and our allies. For far too long, they've bankrolled their aggression by selling oil and gas to whoever will buy it," said Gottheimer. "This bipartisan legislation cuts off those funding streams: holding accountable anyone who fills Putin's war chest as he wages his brutal, illegal war against Ukraine, and choking off the money that fuels Iran's weapons programs and its terror proxies. I was proud to see the Senate pass this bill with an overwhelming, bipartisan majority, and now it's on the House to finish the job. I can think of no better tribute to Senator Lindsey Graham - a national security champion - than enacting the tough sanctions he fought so hard for. Standing up to tyrants isn't a Democratic or Republican issue; it's an American one." <_u53a_p>

"By targeting the energy revenues and financial networks that fuel Putin's war machine and enable the Iranian regime's terrorist activities, this bipartisan legislation strengthens America's ability to impose real economic consequences on our adversaries," said Barr. "Senator Graham understood that harnessing America's full strength from our financial system to our military is essential to deterring aggression, defending our allies, and advancing peace. I'm proud to join my colleagues to help carry forward that legacy."<_u53a_p>

"Supporting a strong, free Ukraine is imperative for the national security of our communities here at home. Sanctioning Russia and Putin sends a direct message to the world: the United States will not sit by while brutal regimes bankroll aggression against democratic nations," said Vindman. "I am proud to be a co-sponsor of this essential legislation. We must continue to escalate the economic pressure on the Kremlin and strengthen our resolve for the Ukrainian people as they fight for their freedom, sovereignty, and security." <_u53a_p>

"Russia is perpetrating a war of aggression, and we must keep the pressure on Vladimir Putin. This action is long overdue, but we are finally moving forward with the resolve this moment demands. These sanctions will erode Russia's war machine by cutting off the revenue that funds it. We must hold those who are fueling this war accountable. These sanctions focus on Russia but will also target dangerous Chinese entities which support the Russian defense industrial base. Peace is the goal, and these mechanisms give the President the tools to achieve that goal," said Moran. <_u53a_p>

"To end Russia's unprovoked and deadly invasion of Ukraine, we must enact maximum financial pain on Vladimir Putin and his cronies. I will not stand idly by while countless people are killed due to Putin's doomed quest to reconstitute the Soviet Union. I am beyond proud to join my colleagues in introducing this sweeping sanctions legislation that will enact severe financial penalties against Putin, his allies, and those who choose to do business with him. The largest war in Europe since World War II must come to an end, and I am confident these measures will accelerate that process. I am also pleased this bill extends the Iran Sanctions Act to ensure all available measures are available to cripple the terrorist Iranian regime. These necessary sanctions are a fitting legacy to honor the late Senator Lindsey Graham, a friend and colleague who continually fought for freedom, democracy, and against tyrannical regimes like Russia and Iran," said Wagner.<_u53a_p>

"For more than four years, Ukrainians have courageously defended their freedom against Putin's brutal invasion. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act would increase pressure on the Kremlin, hold those supporting its war accountable, and strengthen Ukraine's position in pursuit of a just peace," said Houlahan. "The bill also extends longstanding sanctions against Iran. Sanctions cannot replace a clear strategy or the President's obligation to seek congressional authorization for war, but they remain an important diplomatic tool. I am proud to cosponsor this legislation."<_u53a_p>

Click here to read full text of the legislation.<_u53a_p>

Background:

Today's introduction builds on Fitzpatrick's broader work to advance a Ukraine policy rooted in peace through strength: sustaining Ukraine's ability to defend itself, increasing pressure on Putin and those enabling his war, and ensuring that any path to peace protects Ukraine's sovereignty and is accepted by the free and independent Government of Ukraine.<_u53a_p>

As Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, Fitzpatrick has helped lead bipartisan efforts to hold Russia accountable, informed by his firsthand visits to Ukraine and meetings with the leaders, servicemembers, and civilians confronting Putin's aggression. From the Peace Through Strength Against Russia Act and the Countering Russia's War on Faith Act to efforts addressing Russia's attacks on civilians and abducted Ukrainian children, his work has followed a consistent principle. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act advances that same strategy by targeting the financial and energy networks sustaining Putin's war machine and strengthening Ukraine's position to secure a just and lasting peace.<_u53a_p>

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