Overview
- The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act has won more than 60 Senate co‑sponsors and was narrowed in talks with the White House to cap secondary tariffs at up to 100 percent and limit tariffs to the five largest buyers of Russian oil and gas, with the U.S. Trade Representative setting final rates.
- Senate leaders moved this week to add targeted Iran sanctions at President Trump’s request as a late inclusion, a change sponsors say reinstates previously agreed language and could broaden the bill’s appeal.
- Several Senate Democrats, including Elizabeth Warren, Ron Wyden and Mark Warner, have publicly warned they may slow consideration because they fear the bill hands excessive unilateral tariff power to the administration.
- Senators face a tight calendar to pass the measure before the August recess and will likely need a unanimous‑consent time agreement or similar procedural deal to avoid days of debate that could derail the effort.
- Policy and public debate split over consequences: supporters say the bill would choke revenue that funds Russia’s war, while critics warn higher tariffs would raise U.S. consumer prices, threaten trade ties with partners like China and India, and prompt retaliation.