US House approves Russia sanctions legislation and forwards it to Trump

The US House of Representatives has approved a comprehensive sanctions bill aimed at Russia, Iran, and nations purchasing Russian energy, sending the legislation to President Donald Trump for his signature. The House passed the bill, titled the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 in tribute to the late South Carolina Republican senator, by a vote of 262 to 159 on Wednesday. Fifty-eight Democrats joined most Republicans in supporting the measure, while seven Republicans opposed it. The legislation imposes further sanctions on Russia's energy and defense sectors, specifically targeting the so-called shadow fleet of tankers used to circumvent existing restrictions. It would also grant Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on nations such as China and India if they continue purchasing Russian oil and gas. The bill adds further sanctions on Iran and represents the most substantial Ukraine-related legislation enacted by Congress since Trump returned to the White House in January 2025. The Senate passed the measure last month by a vote of 86 to 11, following an appeal for support from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who reiterated his backing for the legislation this week and emphasized the importance of the bill becoming law. The bill encountered setbacks after Graham and other senators introduced it in April 2025; Trump did not endorse bringing it to a vote until July 2026, shortly before Graham died on July 11. Darline Graham, appointed to her late brother's Senate seat, said the House vote held special meaning for the family. “Such a vote means a great deal to me, and it held significant importance for Lindsey,” she said after the vote. Democrats opposed the bill because of the expanded tariff powers it would grant Trump, arguing that the president already possesses extensive authority to sanction Russia and warning that the new powers might be directed against US allies. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries also criticized provisions permitting Trump to waive sanctions if he determines they are not in the national interest, saying the legislation “may grant Donald Trump, potentially, unrestricted power to impose tariffs on the American populace.” Some Republicans voiced concerns about the possible effects of higher tariffs on consumers as the November midterm elections approach. Proponents argued that the sanctions would heighten pressure on Moscow and bolster Washington's 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 after the vote. Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and the war has since become the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War Two.