Story perspectives

Congress Passes Graham Sanctioning Act, Authorizing Up to 100% Tariffs

By Drooid · Sep 19, 2026, 10:29 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Congress passed Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, giving President Donald Trump authority to impose tariffs up to 100%.
House approved the bill in a bipartisan 262-159 vote, naming it after Sen. Lindsey O. Graham.
U.S. tariffs up to 50% on $20 billion of Canadian goods sparked retaliatory duties, threatening Maine lobster, blueberry and lumber exports.
Sen. Susan Collins secured exemptions for road-salt and cement while denouncing the tariff escalation.

History

Historical Context

The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, enacted in 1930, raised U.S. import duties to an average 60% on thousands of goods. Senators Reed Smoot and Willis C. Hawley championed the legislation, which generated $2.5 billion in tariff revenue that year and helped fund Hoover's public works. The act provoked retaliatory duties from Canada, France, and Britain, echoing today’s bipartisan tariff push targeting Russian, Iranian, and Canadian products. Its economic fallout deepened the Great Depression, warning that expansive trade barriers can destabilize global markets and prompt political backlash.

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Story summary

Congress passed Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, giving President Donald Trump authority to impose tariffs up to 100%.
House approved the bill in a bipartisan 262-159 vote, naming it after Sen. Lindsey O. Graham.
U.S. tariffs up to 50% on $20 billion of Canadian goods sparked retaliatory duties, threatening Maine lobster, blueberry and lumber exports.
Sen. Susan Collins secured exemptions for road-salt and cement while denouncing the tariff escalation.

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