Key facts
- The US Senate approved a comprehensive sanctions bill targeting Russia and Iran.
- The legislation includes tariffs of up to 100% on countries that are major consumers of Russian energy.
- The bill aims to deprive Russia of revenue used to fund its invasion of Ukraine.
- The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
The US Senate overwhelmingly approved a sweeping sanctions bill targeting Russia and Iran, including tariffs on countries that continue to purchase Russian energy. The bipartisan legislation, renamed the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia Act in honor of the late senator, passed with an 86-11 vote. The bill aims to increase economic pressure on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine and deprive President Vladimir Putin of revenues fueling the conflict. It would impose new sanctions and visa bans on Putin and top military commanders, and allow President Donald Trump to impose levies of up to 100% on goods from countries that are the top five importers of Russian oil and gas. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy watched from the chamber as the Senate advanced the measure. Some lawmakers, including Senators Ron Wyden and Representative Gregory Meeks, expressed concerns that the bill grants excessive tariff powers to Donald Trump, potentially impacting American families and allies. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives.