US Senate advances bill threatening 100% tariffs on Russian oil buyers
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The US Senate advanced a sweeping Russia sanctions bill that could trigger 100% tariffs on countries like India and China that continue purchasing Russian oil. The bill, named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham, passed 86-12 and now moves to the House of Representatives, which is in summer recess. President Trump has demanded the bill also include tariffs on Iran, potentially delaying its progress.
The Senate Vote
The Senate approved the 'Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026' by an 86-12 margin on July 31. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy watched the vote from the gallery during his visit to Washington for Graham's funeral. Zelenskyy called the advancement 'a step towards peace' and urged its implementation. The bill now awaits action in the House, which begins its recess this week.
Tariff Provision
If enacted, the legislation would authorize 100% tariffs on nations that buy Russian oil after a set deadline. Primary targets include India and China, two of the largest buyers of Russian crude since the Ukraine invasion. The tariff power is designed to pressure Russia economically by cutting off its energy revenue. The bill initially focused on Russia, but President Trump's late amendment seeking to include Iran tariffs has complicated its prospects.
Political Calculus
Analysts expect strong Democratic support for the core Russia sanctions, but Trump's Iran tariff demand could erode that backing. David Smith of the University of Sydney's US Studies Centre said many Democrats are 'worried about tariff power on countries buying Iranian oil, which means China.' The Senate vote suggests a supermajority, but the House dynamics shift with the Iran rider. Without the Iran provision, Smith predicts the bill would pass comfortably once the House returns.
What's Next
The House is expected to take up the bill after its summer recess, likely in September. It remains unclear whether the Iran tariff amendment will fracture Democratic support and delay the legislation, or whether a compromise can be reached.
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US Senate advances bill threatening 100% tariffs on Russian oil buyers
