Home · Politics · Sep 16 archive
Congress Passes Russia Sanctions Bill, Sending It to Trump
Confirmed
In Short: Congress has cleared a sweeping sanctions package targeting Russia, despite Democratic concerns over granting President Trump expanded tariff authority.
Congress has passed a Russia sanctions bill, sending it to President Trump for his signature after a contentious debate that saw several Democrats vote with Republicans. The bill, named the Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, aims to impose tough new sanctions on Russian officials and oligarchs, banks, and financial institutions, as well as the shadow fleet aiding Russian energy exports.
Democrats raised concerns about a provision in the bill that would give President Trump tariff authority over countries purchasing Russian energy, arguing that it could circumvent the intent of the sanctions. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated, 'The manner in which this bill has been written doesn’t require the president of the United States to impose sanctions on Russia.
Despite opposition from key Democrats, the bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in the Senate and a narrow margin in the House, reflecting a broader consensus on the need to pressure Russia economically. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Mass., expressed skepticism, saying, 'What we're not for is giving more tariff authority to this president.
What's confirmed
- Congress has passed a Russia sanctions bill, sending it to President Trump for his signature after a contentious debate that saw several Democrats vote with Republicans. The bill, named the Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, aims to impose tough new sanctions on Russian officials and oligarchs, banks, and financial institutions, as well as the shadow fleet aiding Russian energy exports.
- Democrats raised concerns about a provision in the bill that would give President Trump tariff authority over countries purchasing Russian energy, arguing that it could circumvent the intent of the sanctions. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated, 'The manner in which this bill has been written doesn’t require the president of the United States to impose sanctions on Russia.
- Despite opposition from key Democrats, the bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in the Senate and a narrow margin in the House, reflecting a broader consensus on the need to pressure Russia economically. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Mass., expressed skepticism, saying, 'What we're not for is giving more tariff authority to this president.
What's still developing
- Several Democrats voted with Republicans to pass a sweeping sanctions package targeting Russia Wednesday, handing President Donald Trump a key authority the left has long raged against.
- "Congressman Golden has been a consistent supporter of America’s allies in Ukraine. He didn’t want to see the Russia sanctions bill die in a rule vote after passing with overwhelming bipartisan support in the Senate," Golden's spokesman told Fox News Digital of the vote.
- A Senate-passed Russia sanctions bill faces resistance in the House as Democrats raise concerns about granting President Trump expanded tariff authority, while supporters argue tougher economic pressure could help force Moscow toward negotiations.
- Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, named after the late Republican senator who was one of Ukraine's biggest champions in Congress until his sudden death in July.
- Because, as we've heard from President Zelenskyy's team, you can evade sanctions, which the Russians have done for years.
- The bill was championed by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who had worked across the aisle to get this passed.
- The bill is headed to Trump’s desk for his signature after more than a year and a half of negotiating.
- It also imposes tough new sanctions against the Kremlin over its four-and-a-half year war on Ukraine.