Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) speaks during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol on April 27, 2026, in Washington, DC.
Heather Deal | Getty Images
The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday afternoon is expected to pass the Russia sanctions bill introduced by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R.C.) more than a year ago and send it to President Donald Trump’s desk.
The bill, entitled the Lindsey O. Graham Russia and Iran Sanctions Act of 2026, aims to target the Russian economy and punish the country for its continued full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The bill would allow President Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that are among the top five buyers of Russian oil and gas, including China and India. Money from oil sales is essential to Russia’s war financing. It also imposes sanctions on Russian leaders, officials and financial institutions, and expands sanctions on Iran.
Senators overwhelmingly voted in favor of the bill last month, passing it 86-11 with strong bipartisan support. But opponents of the bill say it gives President Trump excessive tariff powers.
Reps. Gregory Meeks (D.N.Y.), Don Beyer (Va.), and Richard Neal (Mass.) said in a joint statement last week that while House Democrats steadfastly support Ukraine, the bill would “do more harm than good.”
“This bill significantly expands the president’s tariff powers while failing to mandate sanctions against Russia, both of which are unacceptable. These deficiencies will raise prices for Americans and undermine support for Ukraine in the long run,” the lawmakers said.
