House Passes Russia And Iran Sanctions Bill to Trump

The House of Representatives has approved a bill imposing sanctions on Russia and Iran that was backed by the late US senator Lindsey Graham, sending the measure to President Donald Trump for his signature.

The final vote was 262-159. The bill passed after Graham’s death last month, about two months before Wednesday’s vote.

Vote Sends Bill to White House

Seven Republicans voted against the legislation. They were Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Andy Harris of Maryland, Ralph Norman of South Carolina, Keith Self of Texas, Tom McClintock of California, Chip Roy of Texas and Warren Davidson of Ohio.

Among Democrats, support was limited: 58 voted in favour while 152 voted against. Top House Democratic leaders, including Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, said the bill would give Trump broad discretion over whether sanctions would apply and how tariffs could be used.

Sanctions on Russia and Backers

The bill would impose primary and secondary sanctions on Russia and on other countries that support Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. It targets Russian political figures and oligarchs, along with banks and financial institutions.

It also includes restrictions aimed at the “shadow fleet” used to support Russia’s shipping and energy trade, according to the legislation.

The package would also allow the president to impose tariffs. Those tariff powers would be limited to the five largest importers of Russian crude oil or gas, and to the top five countries identified as aiding efforts to evade Russia’s energy-related sanctions.

Iran Funding Protection and Democratic Concerns

The legislation contains a provision designed to prevent a lapse in sanctions authority, including measures that restrict funding for Iran’s energy and weapons sectors.

In remarks posted on X, Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., who was appointed to fill her late brother’s Senate seat and is seeking a full term, said the House vote marked progress. She said the legislation was important to Lindsey Graham and thanked members for supporting it, adding that she aimed for a peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine.

Jeffries and other Democratic leaders said they opposed the bill because, in their view, it gives Trump exceptional authority. They said he could waive sanctions while also gaining new and wide tariff powers, which they argued would continue policies they described as a failing global trade strategy and raise costs for working families.

Earlier this week, several Democrats including Reps. Gregory Meeks, Richard Neal and Don Beyer raised concerns about the measure but said they supported Ukraine.

The Senate approved the bill last month with strong bipartisan support, voting 86-11.

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17 September 2026

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