Senators File Russia Sanctions Act 2026 and Push for Rapid Senate Vote

Overview

• A bipartisan group of senators filed the updated Russia Sanctions Act 2026 on July 14–15, presenting a package of targeted sanctions and new duties aimed at blocking revenue that funds Russia’s war.
• Sponsors report the bill has more than 26 co-sponsors and about 30 senators publicly ready to support it, and Senate leaders are urging expedited consideration before the August congressional recess.
• The measure combines penalties on Russian officials, limits on the shadow fleet and financial institutions, and tariff rules that would allow duties up to 100% for the five largest buyers of Russian oil in the revised text.
• Backers say the text was negotiated over nearly two years and agreed with the White House, they oppose reopening it to amendment, and the sudden death of Senator Lindsey Graham has added political urgency to move the bill.
• Ukraine’s foreign minister welcomed fast passage as a signal of U.S. leadership and President Trump said there is a 'quite high' likelihood he would sign the bill, meaning a vote could produce immediate diplomatic and economic pressure on Russia and its trading partners.