A significant package of new sanctions targeting Russia has cleared its first legislative hurdle in the United States Congress. The bill, named the "Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026" after the late Senator Lindsey Graham, was advanced overwhelmingly by the US Senate with a vote of 86 to 12 on July 31, 2026. It now proceeds to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

If enacted, the legislation could impose sweeping tariffs, including potentially 100% tariffs, on countries such as India and China that continue to purchase oil from Moscow. This move comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and efforts to pressure Russia economically.

The bill has the backing of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was present in Washington to attend Senator Graham's funeral and observed the Senate proceedings from the gallery. Senator Graham was a staunch supporter of Ukraine and died unexpectedly earlier in the month.

India faces particular challenges as it tries to diversify away from Russian energy sources, a process complicated by the recent shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, according to Maia Nikoladze, deputy director of the Economic Statecraft Initiative at the Atlantic Council.

An expert told Al Jazeera that unlike previous tariff actions based on older legislation, this new bill appears to lawfully expand the US executive's authority to impose tariffs, potentially making it more robust against legal challenges.

Sources