Full Breakdown
Senate Pushes Revised Russia Sanctions Bill After Graham’s Death
7/18/2026, 7:49:41 PM
Legislative Background and Recent Revisions
The “Sanctioning Russia Act 2026,” first introduced in April 2025, was overhauled in mid-July 2026 following the sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) on July 11. The revised text, unveiled on July 14-16, narrows the earlier 500 percent blanket tariff to a maximum of 100 percent and limits it to the world’s five largest purchasers of Russian crude oil and natural gas. Countries that import less than 15 percent of Russia’s annual gas exports and are taking “significant steps” to reduce those imports—such as France and Japan—are exempt. Mandatory sanctions must take effect within 30 days of enactment on Russian President Vladimir Putin, senior political and military leaders, state-owned enterprises, major banks (including the Central Bank, Sberbank and Gazprombank), energy projects, oligarchs, foreign firms supporting Russia’s defense base, and the “shadow fleet” of re-flagged tankers used to evade existing restrictions. The president retains authority to waive any sanction or tariff provision after providing a written certification that the waiver serves U.S. national interests.
Sponsors and Coalition
The bill is co-authored by Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Sen. Darline Graham (R-S.C.), Graham’s sister who succeeded him. Additional bipartisan sponsors include Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Ted Cruz (R-Tex.), and many others. Reported co-sponsor counts range from 26 initial bipartisan senators to more than 60 senators (39 Republicans and 22 Democrats in one tally). The White House, represented by President Donald Trump, has signaled support, describing the measure as a “good chance” for passage.
Core Provisions and Targeted Entities
- Tariffs: Up to 100 percent on imports from the top five oil buyers—China, India, Slovakia, Hungary, Azerbaijan—and the top five gas importers—China, France, Japan, Hungary, Belgium.
- Sanctions: Mandatory penalties on Russian leadership, the Central Bank, major energy firms, and entities facilitating evasion, including the shadow fleet.
- Exemptions: Nations whose gas imports fall below 15 percent of Russia’s total and are actively reducing reliance.
- Presidential Waivers: Allowed only with a written certification and congressional notification.
Expected Impact on Russia and Ukraine
Senators argue that Russia’s war-financing relies heavily on oil and gas revenues; curbing those flows would “stop those purchases” and “make clear those purchases come with real costs.” By targeting the primary revenue stream, the bill is intended to pressure Moscow toward peace negotiations while providing Ukraine with additional leverage on the battlefield.
Official Statements from Senate Leaders and the White House
Majority Leader John Thune said he is “hopeful we can make that happen” and that the legislation would honor Graham’s legacy. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer called for an immediate floor vote “in honor of Lindsey.” President Trump affirmed the bill’s “good chance” of passing and noted possible additions targeting Iran and Hezbollah, a suggestion rejected by Blumenthal. Blumenthal praised the “sledgehammer combination of military support and economic sanctions” and described the act as “part of his legacy.”
Opposition and House Concerns
Representative Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.) warned that the bill grants the president “massive backdoor authority for President Trump to impose more tariffs, including on our European allies,” arguing it should focus on automatic sanctions rather than tariff discretion. Representatives Neal (D-Mass.) and Wyden (D-Ore.) similarly criticized the expansion of presidential tariff powers. Republican Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) objected to imposing “massive tariffs” on major consumers such as China and India.
Conflicting Reports on Co-Sponsor Count
Sources differ on the exact number of bipartisan supporters: one report cites 26 initial co-sponsors, another notes 61 senators (39 Republicans, 22 Democrats), while a third mentions “more than 60” without precise breakdown. The discrepancy reflects the bill’s evolving coalition as negotiations continue.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This bill’s sledgehammer combination of military support and economic sanctions would help give Ukraine the means to finish the job.” — Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.
- “He was absolutely ecstatic. You know, I’ve never heard him quite as exuberant.” — Richard Blumenthal describing Graham.
- “The strongest provision is Section 113 directed against Russian oil and gas exports,” — Daniel Fried, former assistant secretary of state.
- “This is not so much a sanctions bill as it is a massive backdoor authority for President Trump to impose more tariffs, including on our European allies,” — Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y.
- “If the Kremlin is able to fund its war machine through the sale of oil and gas, it's going to be able to keep going,” — Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H.
- “I'm proud to support this legislation that not only honors our friend and colleague, but will also promote peace by cutting off the funding fueling Russia's war machine.” — Roger Wicker, R-Miss.
Next Steps
Senate Majority Leader John Thune is expected to schedule floor consideration once the co-sponsor threshold ensures a filibuster-proof majority. The bill must then be reconciled with the House-passed Ukraine Support Act before reaching the president’s desk for signature or veto.
