US Senate advances Russia sanctions bill

US Senate advances Russia sanctions bill

The U.S. Senate has cleared a major sanctions bill aimed at Russia and countries that continue buying its oil and gas. The legislation, renamed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, passed with broad bipartisan support and would authorize President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on imports from the top five purchasers of Russian energy.

The bill specifically places countries such as India and China at risk of steep tariffs because of their Russian energy purchases. It also expands pressure on Russian political and financial elites and extends the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 through 2031. The measure now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration when lawmakers return on August 31.

Key Events

  • The Senate approved the Russia and Iran sanctions bill by an 86-11 vote.
  • The legislation would let President Donald Trump impose 100% tariffs on goods from the top five importers of Russian oil and gas.
  • China, India, Azerbaijan, Hungary and Slovakia are listed among the top five importers of Russian oil and gas.
  • The bill would extend the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 until 2031.
  • It also targets Russian leaders, officials, oligarchs and financial institutions.
  • The bill is set to move to the House of Representatives when lawmakers return on August 31.

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Senate approves Russia sanctions bill

The U.S. Senate approved a major sanctions bill aimed at punishing Russia and pressuring countries that continue buying its oil and gas. The measure passed by an 86-11 vote and was renamed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026.

The bill would give President Donald Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on imports from the largest purchasers of Russian energy, including China, India, Azerbaijan, Hungary and Slovakia. It also extends the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 until 2031.

The legislation now moves to the House of Representatives, which is set to consider it when lawmakers return on August 31.

Key Events

  • The Senate voted 86-11 to pass the Russia sanctions bill.
  • The legislation was renamed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026.
  • The bill would allow 100% tariffs on imports from top buyers of Russian oil and gas, including China and India.
  • Azerbaijan, Hungary and Slovakia are also among the countries named as potential targets.
  • The bill would extend the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 through 2031.
  • The measure now goes to the House of Representatives when it reconvenes on August 31.