The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, marking a significant legislative move to exert economic pressure on Russia amid its ongoing conflict in Ukraine and to extend sanctions on Iran. The bill, which cleared the House with a 262-159 vote on September 16, now awaits President Donald Trump’s decision. The Senate had already approved the measure in August.
Targeting Russian officials, financial institutions, and energy sectors, the legislation aims to tighten existing sanctions by addressing the so-called shadow fleet used to evade these restrictions. Additionally, it proposes imposing tariffs of up to 100% on goods from nations that either import Russian oil or gas or facilitate sanctions evasion.
The act also seeks to prolong the Iran Sanctions Act until 2031, introducing new provisions aimed at financial and energy activities linked to Iran. This extension underscores the U.S. government’s continued focus on curtailing potential financial and geopolitical threats posed by Iran.
Despite receiving bipartisan backing in the House, the bill faced opposition from some legislators concerned about expanding presidential powers over tariffs and sanctions. These measures, they argue, could grant the executive branch significant leverage in trade and foreign policy matters.