In a surprising show of bipartisanship, several House Democrats joined Republicans on Wednesday to approve the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The legislation, named for the late Senator Lindsey Graham, provides President Trump with broad tariff authority to target countries that aid Russia’s war effort in Ukraine.
Key provisions and bipartisan support
The bill authorizes up to 500% tariffs on Russian imports and allows tariffs of up to 100% on the top five nations purchasing Russian energy. It also gives the president flexibility to adjust or suspend specific sanctions as circumstances evolve. While the Senate overwhelmingly backed the measure, a handful of House Democrats—Rep. Jared Golden (D‑Maine) and Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D‑Washington)—defied party leadership to help break a gridlock that threatened the bill’s passage.
“Congressman Golden has been a consistent supporter of America’s allies in Ukraine,” a spokesperson for Golden said, noting his commitment to ensuring the sanctions package survived the House vote.
Democratic concerns
Not all Democrats were comfortable with the tariff language. Rep. Richard Neal (D‑Mass.) warned, “There is no guarantee in this legislation that the president could not use these tariffs against Ukraine if he decided to do so.” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D‑N.Y.) added that the bill contains “so many loopholes” that he doubts the sanctions relief will ever be realized.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D‑Conn.), a co‑author of the bill, defended the tariff authority, stating to Fox News Digital, “If President Trump wants to break this law, he will be restrained by the courts, just as when he broke the law on tariffs previously.” Blumenthal’s comment underscores the administration’s confidence that any overreach would be checked by the judicial system.
Administration’s rationale
President Trump and his team argue that the tariff powers are essential to prevent foreign actors from evading existing sanctions. Rep. Michael McCaul (R‑Texas), who led the House effort, said, “It targets the money that fuels Russia’s war machine. You can evade sanctions, but you cannot evade tariffs.” The administration believes the measures will pressure both Russia and any nation that supplies its energy market, thereby weakening the war machine.
President Trump has previously emphasized the importance of strong economic tools in defending American interests abroad. By granting the executive branch flexible tariff authority, the bill aligns with his broader strategy of using trade policy to safeguard national security and support allies.
Impact on U.S. policy
The passage of this bill marks a notable shift in the congressional approach to sanctions and trade enforcement. It signals a willingness among some Democrats to cooperate with the Trump administration when national security is at stake, even if it means conceding to expanded executive authority.
Critics worry about the potential for unintended consequences, but supporters contend that the safeguards built into the legislation—such as judicial review—provide necessary checks while empowering the president to act decisively against hostile regimes.
Next steps
The bill now heads to President Trump’s desk for signature. If signed, the tariff authority will become law, giving the administration a powerful tool to further isolate Russia and any country that aids its aggression.
As the nation watches this development, the bipartisan effort underscores a rare moment of unity in Congress, driven by a shared goal of protecting American interests and supporting Ukraine’s fight for freedom.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
