House panel clears bipartisan Lindsey Graham bill ramping up Russia sanctions
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The U.S. House Rules Committee approved a bipartisan bill to significantly broaden sanctions against Moscow (Photo: REUTERS/Tom Brenner)
The U.S. House Rules Committee approved a bipartisan bill to tighten sanctions against Russia, The Hill reported on Sept. 14.
The bipartisan legislation — co-authored by the late Senator Lindsey Graham and Senator Richard Blumenthal — authorizes President Donald Trump to sanction individuals acting on behalf of the Russian government to stall peace negotiations with Kyiv, breach reached peace agreements, or undermine state governance in Ukraine.
The measure empowers the White House to impose visa revocations and asset freezes targeting Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, designated Russian military commanders, and "any foreign person who knowingly supplies defense articles" to the Russian armed forces.
The statutory framework also grants the president the authority to raise import tariffs up to 500% on goods originating from Russia or from third nations that "knowingly participate in the exchange of uranium for petroleum products of Russian origin."
House Rules Committee is expected to schedule a full floor vote on the package later this week. The House of Representatives is scheduled to adjourn for a seven-week congressional recess at the close of business Thursday [Sept. 17]. However, Speaker Mike Johnson informed reporters on Sept. 14 that he could fast-track the legislation under a suspension of the rules, which requires a two-thirds majority vote for passage.
Legislative History of the Graham–Blumenthal Sanctions Framework
April 2025 introduction: Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) first introduced legislation proposing sweeping economic penalties against Moscow, including 500% punitive tariffs on imports from countries continuing to purchase Russian crude and raw materials.
Administration negotiations: In June 2025, The Wall Street Journal and Politico reported that the Trump administration sought concessions from Graham to soften specific enforcement mechanisms prior to a final vote.
Kyiv consensus: On July 10, 2026, Graham held a press briefing during a diplomatic visit to Kyiv, announcing a finalized agreement with the White House on a revised version of the sanctions bill.
Senate passage: On July 28, 2026, the U.S. Senate passed an initial procedural hurdle on the comprehensive Russia and Iran sanctions package by an 86-vote margin, formally adopting the legislation on Aug. 7 by an overwhelming 86–11 bipartisan vote.
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