US House Passes Sweeping Russia Sanctions Bill, Sends It to Trump (2026-09-17)

The US House of Representatives on Wednesday approved a far-reaching sanctions and tariff measure aimed at intensifying economic pressure on Russia over its war in Ukraine, clearing the way for President Donald Trump to sign it into law.

The legislation, now titled the "Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026" in memory of the late South Carolina Republican senator who first introduced it, passed by 262 votes to 159. Fifty-eight Democrats joined nearly all Republicans in support, while seven Republicans broke ranks. The Senate had approved the bill last month by 86-11.

The measure targets Russia's energy and defence sectors and its "shadow fleet" of tankers used to sidestep existing sanctions, seeking to cut off funds that finance Moscow's war effort. It also authorises Trump to levy tariffs of up to 100% on China, India and other nations to reduce their reliance on Russian oil and gas, and extends sanctions on Iran.

The bill's path was slow. Introduced in April 2025 by Graham and dozens of senators, it encountered stiff resistance and only advanced to a vote after Trump allowed Republican congressional leaders to schedule one in July 2026, days before Graham's death on July 11. His sister, Republican Senator Darline Graham, who was appointed to the seat, said after the vote: "This means so much to me and it meant so much to Lindsey."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy had pressed lawmakers to back the bill, at one point watching a procedural Senate vote from the chamber. He reiterated his support this week, saying it was "important that it becomes law."

Opposition came chiefly from House Democrats, who argued the bill hands Trump excessive tariff powers he could wield against US allies and contains loopholes allowing sanctions to be waived on national-interest grounds. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said he would vote no, warning the measure could give Trump "unfettered authority to unleash tariffs on the American people." Some Republicans also worried about consumer costs ahead of November's midterm elections.

Backers countered that the bill sends a vital signal of continued US support for Ukraine. "Today, we are now one step closer to securing Lindsey's vision of enduring peace in Ukraine and beyond," said Republican Representative Michael McCaul of Texas, a lead sponsor.

The vote marks the most consequential Ukraine-related legislation Congress has passed since Trump returned to the White House and Republicans took control of both chambers in January 2025. Russian drones struck a passenger bus and a train in southern Ukraine on Wednesday, killing five people, as strikes between the two sides continued.