Members of the United States House of Representatives have registered a bipartisan bill expanding sanctions against Russia and Iran following approval in the Senate.
The legislation passed the upper chamber of Congress by a vote of 86 to 11 before being introduced in the House. It targets Russian political leaders, state institutions, military organisations, major banks, financial institutions, and state energy companies.
The bill also extends restrictions to third-party entities that assist Moscow in bypassing existing sanctions, specifically targeting the shadow fleet of tankers used to transport Russian oil.
Under the proposed legislation, secondary financial sanctions and additional import tariffs will be imposed on foreign nations that continue purchasing Russian crude oil and natural gas. Secondary sanctions allow the United States government to penalize foreign companies and foreign financial institutions that conduct business with sanctioned Russian entities.
The bill is named in memory of Lindsey Graham, the Republican senator from South Carolina who died in July. Republican Representative Michael McCaul of Texas, a co-author of the measure, stated that he had promised Graham to introduce the legislation for congressional consideration. McCaul said he and Graham shared the fundamental belief that America is strongest at home when it asserts its power abroad.
Bipartisan Support and Legislative Background
Republican Senator Darlene Graham of South Carolina, who was appointed by the state governor to fill the seat following the death of her brother, said Senator Graham was determined to put an end to the war in Ukraine. She stated that it was an honour to continue his work, adding that the legislation hits Russian President Vladimir Putin where it hurts most.
Republican Senator Todd Young of Indiana said the bill provides a crucial signal of moral support to a country that is exhausted while maintaining its defensive positions.
Democratic Representative Steny Hoyer of Maryland, a co-author of the bill, said the measure would introduce the toughest sanctions yet against Putin's inner circle, Russian oil and gas oligarchs, shadow fleet oil tankers, and the financial sector supporting the Russian war machine.
However, Hoyer noted that the new bill omits key provisions previously included in the Ukraine Support Act. He urged American lawmakers to additionally secure 8 billion dollars for Ukraine's military and reconstruction, while imposing sanctions against Russia for the abduction of Ukrainian children, stating those goals must remain a congressional priority in the months ahead.
The House of Representatives may vote on the legislation after returning from its summer recess on September 3. In June, the House passed a separate bill delivering security and reconstruction assistance to Ukraine while penalizing key segments of the Russian economy.
Iran Restrictions and Executive Endorsement
At the request of President Donald Trump, the authors included provisions expanding sanction authorities aimed at restricting financing for the arms and energy sectors of Iran.
If passed by the House of Representatives, the bill will go to President Trump for his signature into law. President Trump supports the legislation, news outlet The Hill reported on July 13, citing a White House official.
Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire said a bipartisan group of senators had reached an agreement with the White House regarding the text of the bill prior to Senator Graham's death. In a statement on social media, Shaheen said Senators Graham, Roger Wicker, Richard Blumenthal, and she announced White House support for the sanctions legislation to help bring peace to Ukraine, which Graham had described as one of his most vital efforts.
Diplomatic Assessment and Economic Impact
John Herbst, the former United States Ambassador to Ukraine, suggested that President Trump will sign the bill into law. Herbst said signing the measure would be a sensible step, although he noted that Trump's policy toward Russia during the war has fluctuated between sensible actions and foolish steps. Herbst added that he remains optimistic the president will ultimately do the right thing by exerting pressure on the aggressor state.
Kurt Volker, the former United States Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations, told the Voice of America Ukrainian Service that he expects the bill to be approved after minor modifications. Volker said he hopes upcoming amendments will strengthen secondary sanctions against entities that pay for Russian gas through the financial system, calling that a critical link that needs reinforcement.
Volker stated that while sanctions constrain Russia's resources, they are not a panacea for ending the war. He noted that sanctions implemented over recent years have had a massive impact on Russia and will continue to do so. Volker added that Russia has burned through most of its foreign exchange reserves and that the Russian state budget now suffers from a significant deficit.
