The Senate passed a bipartisan Russia sanctions bill that now heads to the House.
Why it matters: The measure could hit Russian energy revenue and force companies and governments to reassess exposure to Russian oil, gas and trade. It also adds pressure on buyers of Russian petroleum exports and could reshape energy flows.
- The Senate approved the Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 on Aug. 7 by an 86-11 vote.
- The bill targets Russia, Russian financial institutions, senior leaders and energy projects.
- It would authorize tariffs of up to 100% on imports from countries that buy large volumes of Russian oil or gas.
- House action is next, but timing depends on when lawmakers return from the August recess.
The Senate passed the Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 on Aug. 7, sending the bipartisan measure to the House after an 86-11 vote, according to AP.
The legislation is designed to punish Russia and major buyers of its petroleum exports. Senate sponsors say it would expand sanctions pressure and allow the president to impose targeted tariffs on imports from countries that continue buying large volumes of Russian oil or gas, or that help with sanctions evasion, according to Sen. Tim Kaine's office.
The AP report says the bill also targets Putin, senior Russian political and military leaders, Russian financial institutions and Russian energy projects.
Sen. Jim Risch said the measure would "disrupt the Kremlin’s massive oil and gas economy" and "up the financial stakes." Senate negotiators Jeanne Shaheen, Richard Blumenthal, Lindsey Graham and Roger Wicker said they had reached an agreement with the Trump administration to move the updated sanctions package forward.
The vote capped months of bipartisan work in the Senate. Sponsors said the bill had broad support from more than 60 senators before final passage, and lawmakers had already advanced it through earlier procedural votes. The next question is House timing, which is complicated by the August recess.
By the numbers
- 86-11 - final Senate vote on the Russia sanctions bill
- 86-12 - earlier procedural vote on the measure
- 100% - maximum tariff level the bill could authorize on imports from some countries buying Russian oil or gas
Yes, but: The bill still needs House action, and the dossier says timing depends on when the chamber returns from recess.
What's next: House consideration after the August recess.