Full Breakdown
Trump Signs Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026
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Core Legislation Signed
On a Friday, President Donald Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 into law. The bill expands statutory sanctions, tariff authority, and other restrictions aimed at Russia’s energy, defense sectors and its “shadow fleet” of tankers, while extending the Iran Sanctions Act for five years. It also authorizes the president to impose up to 100 % tariffs on the top five importers of Russian oil or natural gas, with an exemption for countries that import less than 15 % of Russia’s gas and have taken significant steps to reduce those imports.
Background & Context
The legislation follows more than four years of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a conflict that has prompted successive U.S. sanctions regimes. The measure is named for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a longtime ally of Trump who died in July after returning from Ukraine. The bill was drafted in part by Sen. Richard Blumenthal and had been in development for over a year.
Legislative Journey & Vote Discrepancies
Congress approved the bill in August after a Senate vote reported by one source as 86-11. The House vote figures differ between sources: one outlet recorded a 262-159 margin, while another listed a 262-259 tally. Both agree the Senate passed the measure before the House approved it on a Wednesday, after which Trump’s signature made it binding law.
Official Statements & Responses
An image of the U.S. Capitol on September 1, 2026 showed the House exterior after the vote.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If he were here today, he would be jubilant about our bill's passage - and already thinking about the next one,” — Sen. Richard Blumenthal
- “Putin is a thug who understands only force and strength, which is what we must show clearly and unequivocally.” — Sen. Richard Blumenthal
