Could Democrats Vote Against It? U.S. Senate Prepares to Vote on Graham’s Sanctions Bill Targeting Russia
The U.S. Senate is preparing to vote on the Graham sanctions bill targeting Russia. The legislation is intended to honor its sponsor, the late Senator Lindsey Graham. A bipartisan group of Republican and Democratic senators has announced consensus support for the bill, which will officially be named the 2026 Lindsey Graham Iran and Russia Sanctions Act.
Senators who co-sponsored the bill issued a statement saying its goal is to cut off Russia’s energy export revenues that fund its “war machine,” while also limiting Iran’s ability to support terrorism and advance its nuclear program. However, Reuters reports that Democrats have already expressed reservations about the bill.
While Democrats broadly support sanctions against Russia, they are concerned about the bill granting President Trump new authority to impose tariffs, fearing it could drive up import prices and harm ordinary American consumers.
These divisions cast uncertainty over whether the bill will pass in both the Senate and the House. Notably, the House of Representatives only resumed sessions in September, meaning the bill is unlikely to take effect before autumn.
If enacted, the bill would grant Trump the power to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major Russian energy importers—including India, Japan, and certain EU countries—and give the president discretionary authority to lift those tariffs at will. Some Democratic lawmakers have already signaled they will vote against it.
Democratic Representative Gregory Meeks stated: “This document isn’t truly a sanctions bill—it effectively grants Trump broad, unchecked authority to raise tariffs, even on European allies, with the ultimate cost borne by American citizens.”
Senate Democratic leaders said that concerns over the tariff provisions are shared by both parties. However, media reports suggest that lawmakers may not immediately speak out in opposition, as many wish to honor Senator Graham through this legislation.
The list of supporters includes Graham’s sister, Republican Darin Graham, who has been temporarily appointed to fill the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by her late brother, Lindsey Graham, in South Carolina.
The bill expands the existing sanctions framework against Iran and authorizes the U.S. government to intensify economic pressure on Russia, allowing sanctions against major purchasers of Russian oil and gas. The president may also impose restrictions on five countries designated by the U.S. as assisting Russia in evading international energy sanctions.
Before being sent to the floor for voting, the bill was revised to limit the president’s new tariff powers to a five-year period.
The bill also extends the expiration date of the 1996 Iran Sanctions Act to 2031, preventing it from automatically expiring within the current year.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1872007821273100/
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