Kaptur, McCaul, Hoyer, Wilson, Colleagues Introduce the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026Press ReleaseLindsey O.TradeJobs and the EconomyEnergy

Toledo, OH - Today, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Emeritus Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10), Former Majority Leader of the House of Representatives Congressman Steny Hoyer (MD-05), and Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) introduced the bipartisan Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 alongside 12 of their colleagues. This legislation - which honors the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who worked on the bill for more than a year and secured the White House's support - will hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia's war against Ukraine and extend sanctions that restrict funding for Iran's energy and weapons sectors.

"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 Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). "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."

"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 Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10). "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."

"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 Congressman Steny Hoyer (MD-05).

"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 Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02).

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-SC), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Jim Risch (R-ID). The text of the House bill is identical to the text that passed the Senate.

"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 Senator Darline Graham (R-SC). "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."

"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 Senator Blumenthal (D-CT).

Joining Kaptur, McCaul, Hoyer, and Wilson as original cosponsors are Co-Chair of the House Baltic Caucus Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02), Congressman Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), House Armed Services Committee Chairman Congressman Mike Rogers (AL-03), Congresswoman Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10), Congressman Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Congresswoman Ann Wagner (MO-02), Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06), Congressman Ed Case (HI-01); Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Congressman Eugene Vindman (VA-07), Congressman Nathaniel Moran (TX-01), and Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06).

"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 Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02). "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."

"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 Congressman Jake Auchincloss (MA-04).

"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 Congressman Mike Rogers (AL-03). "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."

"It is long past time for Congress to impose tougher consequences on Russia and those financing its illegal war against Ukraine. I'm proud to support this updated legislation, which targets major purchasers of Russian oil and gas that continue to fund the Kremlin's aggression. This war has resulted in an estimated 2 million casualties, including more than half a million deaths. The United States must continue standing with the Ukrainian people and keep the pressure on Russia to agree to a just and lasting peace that preserves a free, sovereign, and independent Ukraine," said Congresswoman Jill Tokuda (HI-02).

"For more than four years, the Ukrainian people have fought courageously to defend their sovereignty, and their resolve is paying off. Lindsey Graham understood that standing with nations fighting for freedom strengthens America's own security, and until his final days, he was pressing for stronger sanctions against Russia," said Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10). "This legislation honors that legacy, sends a clear message to Vladimir Putin that he cannot outlast Ukraine or the free world, and gives President Trump another powerful tool to pressure Russia, bring Putin to the negotiating table, and help restore peace to the region."

"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 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (MO-02).

"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 Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05). "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."

"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 Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06). "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."

"Senator Graham believed, as I do, that American strength remains the surest guardian of peace," said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01). "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's resolve will endure until that peace is secured."

"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 Congressman Eugene Vindman (VA-07). "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."

"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 Congressman Nathaniel Moran (TX-07).

"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 Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06). "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."

Click here to read full text of the legislation.

# # #