<p>A sanctions bill targeting Russia and Iran, named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham, passed the House of Representatives on September 16, 2026, with a vote of 262-159. The bill now proceeds to President Donald Trump for his signature.</p>
<p>The legislation received support from 58 Democrats, while 152 Democrats opposed it. Seven Republicans also voted against the bill. The bill aims to impose sanctions on Russia amid its ongoing conflict with Ukraine and extends sanctions against Iran’s energy and weapons sectors, which were set to expire this year.</p>
<p>Additionally, the bill grants Trump the authority to impose tariffs on the five largest importers of Russian oil and gas, as well as the top five countries assisting Russia in evading sanctions.</p>
<p>Democratic representatives expressed concerns regarding the bill. Representative Don Beyer (D-VA) stated during the debate, “If this bill passes, I predict Ukraine’s supporters will regret it. Yes, they will be able to say ‘we stood with Ukraine,’ in the immediate aftermath. But when Donald Trump hits our allies with new tariffs and waives sanctions on Russia, the propaganda victory for Putin will be lasting, and the damage will be embedded in U.S. law.”</p>
<p>Beyer further noted that the Ukrainian cause could become associated with Trump’s tariffs, which are unpopular in the U.S., potentially complicating support for Ukraine in the long term.</p>
<p>The Senate passed the legislation shortly after Graham's death due to a torn aorta. Graham was known for his strong foreign policy stance and support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.</p>