U.S. Senate Passes Graham Act Imposing Heavy Russia Sanctions

The United States Senate passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 in an 86-11 vote. The legislation imposes 500% tariffs on Russian exports to the U.S., bans U.S. energy exports to Russia, and restricts new American investments in Russian sovereign debt and Kremlin-controlled securities.

A controversial provision in the act authorizes the president to impose discretionary duties of up to 100% on goods from the five largest importers of Russian crude oil or natural gas. This target list includes the European Union and nations such as China, India, Turkey, Brazil, Japan, and South Korea.

Critics argue the act grants the executive branch excessive discretion, which could allow the administration to bypass legal triggers and investigations to target U.S. allies. Meanwhile, a companion bill introduced by Representatives Ann Wagner and Michael McCaul is currently seeing bipartisan support in the House of Representatives.