Senate passes new Russia sanctions

Stef W. Kight

U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) speaks during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol on April 27, 2026. — Late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC). Photo: Heather Diehl/Getty Images

The Senate passed a sweeping Russia sanctions bill Friday in an 86-11 vote.

Why it matters: The legislation would impose new sanctions on Russia, renew Iran sanctions and hand President Trump fresh authority to slap tariffs on major buyers of Russian oil.

Final passage follows months of anticipation and negotiations with the White House.
The bill was renamed in honor of its lead sponsor, the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who died suddenly last month.

Between the lines: Senate GOP leaders fast-tracked theLindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act despite concerns from some Democrats about handing Trump more tariff authority.

Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), in particular, raised concerns about the provision.
An amendment brought by Paul that would have stripped the tariff language from the bill failed earlier Friday.

The details: Graham championed the bill with Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.).

It would allow Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on imports from countries that are among the largest buyers of Russian oil and gas.
It would also target Russia's "shadow fleet," the network of aging tankers used to evade Western sanctions while exporting Russian oil.
The legislation extends Iran sanctions set to expire after the end of the year.

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Senate passes new Russia sanctions

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