Full Breakdown
Senate Advances Lindsey Graham-Named Russia and Iran Sanctions Bill, Delaying Crypto Regulation Vote
7/28/2026, 11:18:33 PM
Core Event: Senate Moves Forward with Sanctions Legislation
On July 28, 2026, the Senate voted on a measure introduced by the late Senator Lindsey Graham that would impose sanctions on Russian officials and give the president authority to levy tariffs of up to 100 % on the five largest importers of Russian oil or gas. The vote coincided with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Washington for Graham’s funeral.
Background & Context
Senator Graham announced on July 11, 2026 that he and President Donald Trump had agreed to move the bill forward after more than a year of negotiation. His sister, Darline Graham, was appointed interim senator and participated in the bipartisan effort to advance the legislation.
Legislative Details & Data
- Tariff authority: Limits presidential tariffs to the five countries that purchase the greatest share of Russian crude oil or gas and to the five nations identified as primary evaders of energy sanctions. The ceiling was reduced from a prior 500 % proposal to 100 % to broaden support.
- Sanctions scope: Primary and secondary sanctions target Russian political officials, oligarchs, banks, and the “shadow fleet.” The act also extends previously approved sanctions on Iran through 2031, restricting funding for Iran’s energy and weapons sectors.
- Cosponsorship: More than 60 senators have signed on, giving the bill a strong likelihood of passage.
- Bipartisan statement: Senators Richard Blumenthal, Darline Graham, Katie Britt, Jeanne Shaheen, Jim Risch and Roger Wicker released a joint statement saying the legislation will stop purchasers of Russian oil and gas from fueling President Vladimir Putin’s war machine and will continue to curb Iran’s support for terrorism.
Official Statements & Responses
- Presidential support: President Trump indicated he would back the measure and urged the inclusion of sanctions on Iran.
- Democratic concerns: Representative Gregory Meeks, top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, called the bill a “massive backdoor authority” that could allow tariffs on European allies and hurt American families. A Senate Democratic aide noted reservations about the tariff provisions, though senators chose to honor Graham during the vote.
Timeline
- May 12, 2026: Graham addressed the Senate Appropriations Committee.
- July 11, 2026: Graham announced agreement with President Trump to advance the sanctions bill.
- July 27, 2026: Senate aides confirmed all 100 senators were invited to meet President Zelenskyy.
- July 28, 2026: Procedural Senate vote on the Graham-named sanctions bill.
- August 8 (scheduled): Start of the Senate’s summer recess, limiting further floor action on both the sanctions and CLARITY bills.
What’s Next
The procedural vote on July 28 sets the stage for a final Senate passage later in the week, after which the bill will move to the House, which is out of town for the recess. The CLARITY Act is expected to be reconsidered after the recess, pending resolution of the ethics provision and available floor time. The White House has not yet confirmed whether President Trump will sign the sanctions bill once it reaches his desk.
