Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today celebrated the Senate passage of the Senator Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The legislation would help drain the coffers of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin as he wages his unprovoked war against Ukraine.
“This sanctions bill will help save lives. It will make peace in Europe more likely,” said Senator Wicker. “I knew Senator Graham for 32 years. He was an accomplished lawmaker, but I can say clearly that this was his most profound achievement. By passing this bill, we salute his memory and continue the work he left us.”
About the Bill
The Senator Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 would impose primary sanctions on Vladimir Putin, his inner circle, and foreign companies that work with Russia’s military industry. It would enact punishing secondary sanctions on the top five purchasers of Russian oil and gas, holding them accountable for funding Vladimir Putin’s war machine. This landmark bill includes the bipartisan SHADOW Fleet Sanctions Act, which would crack down on those operating sanctions-evading trade ships on behalf of Russia. Finally, the legislation targets Chinese support for Russia’s weapons producers.
Notably, the bill includes a five-year extension of the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, giving President Trump increased leverage over the Iranian regime. The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 is named in honor of Senator Lindsey O. Graham, R-SC. Senator Graham devoted the last two years of his career to this legislation as part of his faithful support for the people of Ukraine.
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