Senate Approves Sweeping Russia Sanctions Bill

Package Includes New Penalties on Iran

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Senate passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by a vote of 86 to 11 today, uniting Congress and the Trump administration in pursuit of escalating penalties against Vladimir Putin and Iran, whose malign cooperation enables Russia's war in Ukraine and the Iranian regime's terrorization of the globe. Before his unexpected passing on July 11, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) had finalized an agreement with the White House, paving the way for Senate passage of the measure. The package is supported by over 60 senators from both parties.

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee which has jurisdiction over sanctions policy, cosponsored the legislation introduced by the late senator's sister, U.S. Senator Darline Graham (R-SC). Cramer had previously joined the late Lindsey Graham and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) in introducing the original sanctions bill in April 2025. Over the past year, the coalition worked with Members of Congress and the Trump administration to strengthen the legislation and build support for its enactment.

"Vladimir Putin and the Iranian regime have spent decades testing the resolve of the free world, and too many times the free world has come up short in those tests-but not today," said Cramer. "Today, the Senate spoke with one voice alongside the Trump administration in support of stronger consequences for Russia and Iran, and others enabling their aggression on America and our allies. I knew Lindsey Graham really well, and he never let up on the principle of Peace Through Strength; he pushed for tougher sanctions like those in this bill. Moscow, Tehran, and all those who bankroll them have to feel the consequences of the terror they're inflicting around the world. And this bill certainly helps do that."

The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 imposes primary and secondary sanctions on Russia and its network of financial allies in its war against Ukraine. It targets Russia's "shadow fleet" of shell corporations and repurposed maritime infrastructure and extends to individuals including Russian officials, oligarchs, their family members, and financial institutions. The legislation empowers President Trump to hold Iran accountable for sponsoring terrorism by extending the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 and strengthening sanctions on entities investing in Iran's energy sector.

It also authorizes the President to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on imports from the five largest purchasers of Russian oil and natural gas, the ultimate financiers of Putin's war and enablers of his sanctions evasion.

Click here for bill text.