US Senate approves sweeping Russia sanctions bill in 86-11 vote
The US Senate approved legislation targeting Russia and major buyers of Russian energy, sending the measure to the House while critics warned it grants the president broad tariff powers.
In short
- The US Senate approved legislation targeting Russia and major buyers of Russian energy, sending the measure to the House while critics warned it grants the president broad tariff powers.
The United States Senate approved a broad Russia sanctions bill on Friday, August 7, 2026, by an 86-11 vote, advancing legislation designed to pressure Moscow and countries that finance its economy through purchases of Russian oil and gas.
The measure, renamed the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia Act, would impose sanctions and visa restrictions on Russian President Vladimir Putin and senior military commanders. It would also authorize tariffs of up to 500 percent on Russian exports and allow the US president to levy tariffs of up to 100 percent on goods from countries among the five largest importers of Russian oil and gas.
The legislation now goes to the House of Representatives, which is expected to return from recess at the end of August. Its Senate passage does not by itself make the proposed sanctions and tariffs law.
Supporters presented the bill as a way to force major Russian energy customers to choose between access to the US market and continued purchases from Moscow. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the sanctions were intended to reduce resources available to the Kremlin for its war in Ukraine.
Opponents focused in part on the discretion the bill would give President Donald Trump over tariffs. Democratic Senator Ron Wyden said the president could select countries for tariffs or exemptions and alter those decisions. An amendment proposed by Wyden and Republican Senator Rand Paul to narrow that authority failed 32-64.
The legislation had been championed by South Carolina Republican Lindsey Graham before his death in July 2026. His sister, Darline Graham, was appointed to his Senate seat and presided when the chamber announced the result.
