Senate Passes Lindsey Graham’s Neocon-Backed Bill Targeting Russia

August 07, 2026 1:23 PM ET The Senate passed legislation Friday placing strict sanctions on Russia in honor of the late Republican South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 would target Russian leadership, banks and its oil “shadow fleet” by requiring President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods from the top five importers of Russian oil and gas and up to 500% on goods imported from Russia. The upper chamber passed the bill 86-11 in honor of Graham, who passed away suddenly on July 11. Since the legislation would target the largest buyers of Russian energy, the bill allows for waivers for countries that import less than 15% of Russia’s total natural gas exports and are taking steps to reduce them. China and India ar