In a decisive move, the U.S. Senate approved a comprehensive sanctions bill against Russia this past Friday. The legislation, which enjoys backing from the late Senator Lindsey Graham, is set to proceed to the House of Representatives within weeks.
The bill also includes expanded sanctions on Iran, which were advocated for by President Donald Trump, as lawmakers pushed forward with the measure after over a year since its introduction in 2025.
Senate Republican leaders previously refrained from bringing the bill to a vote due to opposition from Trump, who maintained decision-making authority over sanctions within the White House since his second term commenced in January 2025.
The Senate passed the "Lindsey O. Graham Sanctions Act on Russia and Iran for 2026" with an 86-11 majority. This legislation targets Russian officials and authorizes substantial tariffs on China, India, and other countries, aiming to reduce their reliance on Russian oil and gas.
The Ukrainian Embassy in Washington welcomed the bill's approval, describing it as a "significant and timely step to increase pressure on Russia."
However, the overwhelming support for tougher sanctions on Russia may not guarantee the bill's passage in the House. Some lawmakers and industrial sectors express concerns that the new tariff powers granted to Trump could raise costs for U.S. importers and consumers, potentially leading to political setbacks for Republicans.