US House to consider Russia-Iran sanctions bill as soon as September 15

September 15, 2026 at 12:29 AM2 min

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The US House of Representatives could take up a sweeping Russia and Iran sanctions bill as soon as September 15, Republican Congressman Joe Wilson told RFE/RL. Wilson said he expects the House Rules Committee, which is scheduled to meet on September 14, to advance the measure and expressed confidence it could reach President Donald Trump's desk within days. The Senate passed the legislation on August 7 by an 86-11 vote.

Key Facts

The US House of Representatives could take up the Russia and Iran sanctions bill as soon as September 15, according to Congressman Joe Wilson.
The Senate passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act on August 7 by an 86-11 vote.
The bill gives the US president authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on goods from major purchasers of Russian oil and gas.
The legislation would extend the existing Iran Sanctions Act for five years.
Wilson said India has indicated it intends to reduce its dependence on Russian oil, and argued China should take similar steps.

Legislative Path

Republican Congressman Joe Wilson of South Carolina told RFE/RL on September 14 that the House Rules Committee is scheduled to meet that day and consider the legislation. Wilson said he is "very confident" the bill will move forward, though he acknowledged that "things always change here in Washington." The Senate passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act on August 7 by an 86-11 vote. The bill targets Russian officials and institutions as well as the "shadow fleet" of vessels that enable Moscow to evade sanctions on oil deliveries.

Tariff Provisions

The bill gives the US president the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on goods from major purchasers of Russian oil and gas and countries deemed to be involved in sanctions evasion. Wilson said the tariff provisions are aimed at major purchasers of Russian energy, potentially putting pressure on countries that continue to buy Russian oil and gas, including China and India. He added that India has already indicated that it intends to reduce its dependence on Russian oil and argued that China should take similar steps. Democrats in the House have raised concerns that the bill would give Trump excessive tariff authority while failing to require the administration to impose sanctions on Russia.

Strategic Context

Wilson framed the legislation as part of a larger strategic picture involving Russia, Iran, and China. The bill itself links Russia and Iran by targeting Moscow's war economy while extending the Iran Sanctions Act. Ukrainian officials have also pointed to growing military-industrial cooperation between Moscow and Tehran. Wilson said he believes the relationship goes beyond sanctions evasion or economic ties.