The House of Representatives approved sweeping sanctions legislation targeting Russia and Iran on Wednesday, granting President Donald Trump significant new tariff authority despite fierce opposition from Democratic leadership who warned against expanding executive trade powers.
Bipartisan Support Carries Controversial Bill
The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 passed with a 262 to 159 vote. Named after the late Republican senator who championed Ukraine support until his death in July, the legislation saw 53 Democrats join 203 Republicans in approval. Seven Republicans and 152 Democrats voted against the measure, revealing deep divisions over presidential tariff powers.
The bill authorizes tariffs up to 500 percent on Russian imports and up to 100 percent on the top five countries purchasing Russian energy. It targets Russian officials, oligarchs, banks, and the shadow fleet moving Russian energy while punishing nations providing financial support for the conflict in Ukraine.
Democrats Challenge Tariff Authority
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized the legislation for containing loopholes that could prevent sanctions from taking effect. Representative Richard Neal of Massachusetts expressed concern that nothing in the bill prevents Trump from imposing tariffs on Ukraine itself. Democratic leaders argued the measure hands excessive trade authority to the president without adequate safeguards or guarantees that sanctions will target Russia specifically.
Senate Democrats took a different stance. Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, who helped create the bill, defended the tariff provisions by arguing courts would restrain any unlawful presidential actions, citing previous judicial interventions on tariff matters. The Senate version received broader Democratic support than the House counterpart.
Strategic Aims and Political Calculations
Representative Michael McCaul of Texas, who led the House effort, described the current moment as critical for American strength abroad. He emphasized that tariffs cannot be evaded like traditional sanctions, which Russia has circumvented for years. The legislation underwent multiple revisions to secure White House approval, including reinserted provisions targeting Iran’s weapons and energy sectors to encourage lasting Middle East peace.
Representatives Jared Golden of Maine and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington broke with Democratic leadership Tuesday to help Republicans advance the bill. Their defection proved crucial in breaking the procedural gridlock. The legislation provides Trump flexibility in implementing and suspending certain sanctions, addressing administration concerns while maintaining pressure on countries fueling Russian military operations in Ukraine.