Senate Unveils Bipartisan Russia Sanctions Bill as Tribute to Late Sen. Lindsey Graham

On July 14, 2026, U.S. senators announced a revised “Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026,” a bipartisan package designed to cut off revenue streams that fund Russia’s war in Ukraine. The legislation, more than 60 pages long, would impose mandatory sanctions on Russian political and military leaders, oligarchs, state-owned enterprises, and foreign firms that support Russia’s defense industrial base. It also targets Russia’s shadow fleet, energy projects, and financial institutions, and authorizes tariffs of up to 100 % on the top five purchasers of Russian crude oil and natural gas—principally China and India—with exemptions for countries importing less than 15 % of their gas from Russia and taking “significant steps” to reduce those imports.

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The bill traces its origins to an April 2025 proposal that stalled while President Donald Trump pursued direct talks with President Vladimir Putin. Late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) announced a breakthrough on the legislation the day before his sudden death on July 12, 2026, saying lawmakers had reached a deal with the White House. Graham’s colleagues—Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS), among others—had been negotiating for more than a year to narrow the original 500 % tariff proposal and address concerns that the bill could harm U.S. allies.

The Hill

• Length: 61 pages, double the 31-page 2025 version.

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• Tariffs: Up to 100 % on oil and gas purchases by the five largest importers; original draft called for a blanket 500 % tariff.

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• Exemptions: Countries importing <15 % of Russia’s natural gas and demonstrating reduction efforts.

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• Sanctions Scope: Mandatory measures against Russian leaders, oligarchs, state enterprises, foreign companies linked to the defense base, and the shadow fleet of unmarked tankers.

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• Support: More than two dozen senators have co-sponsored the bill, with bipartisan backing from both chambers.

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Sen. Richard Blumenthal said the bill could pass “before August” and praised the “painful, bipartisan negotiation” that secured White House support. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen called the legislation a “fitting memorial” to Graham’s legacy and emphasized its role in securing an independent Ukraine. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) expressed hope that the Senate could move the measure through the appropriate committees and noted the bill’s potential as a lasting tribute. President Donald Trump declared the bill had a “good chance” and warned against adding secondary targets such as Iran or Hezbollah, though the text already contains secondary sanctions that could affect those countries.

The Hill

Some lawmakers warned that the original version was “too broad” and could damage economies of close U.S. allies that also purchase Russian energy. Democrats raised concerns about a presidential waiver provision that would allow the president to suspend sanctions for up to 180 days, a power currently under review by the Supreme Court. Critics also noted that the bill’s tariff authority could conflict with existing trade law frameworks.

The Hill

• “he was so excited about getting the White House on board with the Russian sanctions bill.” — Sen. Katie Britt, R-AL

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• “Whatever we can do to sanction Russia, I’m all in,” — Sen. Rick Scott, R-FL

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• “Passing the sanctions bill right away would be a fitting tribute.” — Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-CT

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• “There can be no more fitting memorial to Lindsey, his legacy, or the causes he fought for, than to pass this legislation and realize his long-held dream of an independent and secure Ukraine.” — Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-NH

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Senate leaders indicated the bill will be referred to the Foreign Relations and Finance committees for review, with proponents hoping for a floor vote before the end of August. If enacted, the legislation would codify existing executive-order sanctions and grant the president limited authority to impose secondary tariffs on countries that facilitate Russian energy purchases.

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