The US House Rules Committee voted to advance the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, named after the late Republican senator who championed the measure. The committee’s 7-3 vote on September 14 cleared a procedural step toward potential House floor consideration on September 16. The Senate had previously approved the legislation in August with bipartisan support by an 86-11 margin.
The bill targets financial networks supporting Russia’s military operations, including Russian officials, oligarchs, financial institutions, and vessels used to transport Russian oil. It also extends existing sanctions on Iran related to its energy and weapons sectors that were set to expire at year’s end. Republican Representative Michael McCaul of Texas, a senior voice on foreign policy, argued that Russia and Iran’s military cooperation necessitated addressing both nations through unified legislation.
Democratic opposition centered on provisions granting President Donald Trump authority to impose tariffs up to 100 percent on major purchasers of Russian energy and countries assisting Moscow’s sanctions evasion efforts. Representative Gregory Meeks of New York, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, stated his support for increased pressure on Russia while opposing the bill’s current form. Democrats contended that Trump already possessed sufficient authority to impose Russia-related sanctions and that the tariff expansion could increase costs for American consumers or be applied beyond the stated purpose.
Democratic amendments proposed removing secondary tariff provisions, restricting presidential waiver authority, clarifying European Union treatment, increasing military financing for Ukraine, and identifying ten specific countries initially eligible for tariffs. The committee rejected these amendments. However, Democratic cosponsor Representative Steny Hoyer of Maryland opposed removing the tariff mechanism entirely, stating that failing to pass the legislation would benefit Moscow and harm Kyiv.
The timing held significance as the House was scheduled to adjourn for an extended recess before midterm elections, potentially limiting opportunities for further action this year. McCaul expressed confidence the measure would pass if brought to a floor vote, arguing it would provide necessary leverage to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin toward negotiations.
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