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HOUSE · HR 5334 119 CONGRESS

Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026

INTRODUCED
September 11, 2025
POLICY AREA
STATUS
Became Public Law No: 119-111.
SOURCE
Congress.gov ↗

Bill Summary

The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 (H.R. 5334) is a comprehensive measure designed to counter Russian aggression, particularly in relation to its invasion of Ukraine, by imposing extensive sanctions and restrictions. The bill targets individuals and entities associated with the Russian government, financial institutions, energy sector, and other key industries. It prohibits various forms of economic engagement, including investments, trade, and financial transactions, while also increasing tariffs on Russian imports and imposing duties on countries that facilitate sanctions evasion. The legislation includes provisions for humanitarian exemptions, intelligence activities, and compliance with international obligations. Additionally, the bill extends the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 until 2031 and contains severability and sunset clauses, with most provisions set to expire five years after enactment. The measure reflects a bipartisan effort to pressure the Russian Federation to cease hostilities in Ukraine and adhere to international norms, while attempting to balance economic and foreign policy interests through waiver and termination mechanisms subject to congressional review.

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Where Each Party Stands

Democrats

MIGHT SUPPORT
+Comprehensive approach to holding Russia accountable for its invasion of Ukraine and associated war crimes.
+Strong humanitarian exemptions ensure that essential aid, medicine, and food can still reach affected populations.
+Targets financial enablers of the Russian war effort, including banks and oligarchs, without broadly punishing the Russian populace.
+Includes provisions to prevent sanctions evasion through third countries, closing loopholes in existing measures.
+Extends the Iran Sanctions Act, maintaining pressure on Iran's nuclear program and regional destabilizing activities.
+Requires regular presidential reviews and reporting to Congress, promoting transparency and accountability.
+Includes severability clause protecting the rest of the bill if any part is found unconstitutional.
+Sunset provision ensures that sanctions are not permanent and can be reassessed based on changing circumstances.
+Walkaway provisions for winddown operations allow responsible divestment by U.S. entities without penalty.
+Prohibits U.S. investment in Russian energy sector, aligning with climate goals by discouraging fossil fuel dependence.
MIGHT OPPOSE
−Risk of escalating economic conflict that could lead to broader geopolitical instability.
−Broad definitions of 'sanctionable' activities may inadvertently capture legitimate humanitarian or journalistic efforts in conflict zones.
−Tariff increases could raise costs for American consumers and businesses reliant on imported goods, exacerbating inflation.
−Waiver authority resides solely with the President, potentially allowing unilateral action without sufficient congressional oversight.
−Complex licensing and exception systems may create confusion and reduce effectiveness of sanctions enforcement.
−Sanctions on uranium imports from Russia could disrupt domestic nuclear energy supply chains, affecting clean energy goals.
−Potential for sanctions to disproportionately affect ordinary Russian citizens despite intended targeting of elites.
−The bill's focus on punitive measures may underemphasize diplomatic pathways to conflict resolution.
−Extending the Iran Sanctions Act without addressing root causes may perpetuate tensions without achieving strategic objectives.
−Mandatory sanctions on foreign ports and vessels could lead to international disputes and challenges at the WTO.

Republicans

MIGHT SUPPORT
+Strong national security measure that directly counters Russian aggression in Ukraine.
+Imposes significant economic costs on Russia through sanctions and tariffs, potentially weakening its war machine.
+Includes waiver and termination provisions that allow flexibility for diplomatic solutions while maintaining pressure.
+Extends the Iran Sanctions Act, continuing pressure on another adversarial nation.
+Contains humanitarian exemptions ensuring that aid to Ukrainian civilians is not hindered.
+Targets Russian oligarchs and defense-industrial base supporters, cutting off resources fuelling the conflict.
+Prohibits U.S. investment in Russia, preventing American capital from indirectly supporting the Russian war effort.
+Increases duties on Russian goods up to 500%, encouraging reshoring and reducing reliance on hostile nations.
+Imposes sanctions on financial institutions like Sberbank and VTB, limiting Russia's access to global finance.
+Requires presidential reporting to Congress, enhancing legislative oversight of executive actions.
MIGHT OPPOSE
−Risk of economic retaliation from Russia, potentially disrupting global energy markets and increasing prices for American consumers.
−Broad sanctions may inadvertently harm U.S. businesses with legitimate interests in Russia or neighboring regions.
−Waiver provisions could be exploited by future administrations to prematurely lift sanctions without meeting conditions.
−Tariff increases up to 500% may violate international trade agreements and provoke retaliatory measures from trading partners.
−Complex enforcement mechanisms could lead to bureaucratic inefficiencies and legal challenges.
−Sanctions on financial messaging systems might disrupt global financial stability if not carefully implemented.
−The bill's extensive scope may overextend executive branch resources and complicate interagency coordination.
−Potential to push Russia closer to China, strengthening a strategic alliance adverse to U.S. interests.
−Mandatory sanctions on foreign financial institutions engaging with Russian entities could strain alliances with neutral countries.
−Sunset clause after five years may create uncertainty and reduce long-term deterrent effect.

History

Sep 18, 2026
Became Public Law No: 119-111.
Sep 18, 2026
Became Public Law No: 119-111.
Sep 18, 2026
Sep 18, 2026
Signed by President.
Sep 17, 2026
Presented to President.
Sep 17, 2026
Presented to President.
Sep 16, 2026
On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 262 - 159 (Roll no. 308).
Sep 16, 2026
Resolving differences -- House actions: On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 262 - 159 (Roll no. 308).
Sep 16, 2026
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 5334, the Chair put the question on agreeing to the Senate amendments and by voice vote, announced the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Meeks demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
Sep 16, 2026
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
Sep 16, 2026
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1530, the House proceeded with one hour of debate on motion to agree to the Senate amendments to H.R. 5334.
Sep 16, 2026
Mr. McCaul moved that the House agree to the Senate amendments.
Sep 16, 2026
Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1530, Mr. McCaul called up the Senate amendments to H.R. 5334.
Aug 10, 2026
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Aug 07, 2026
Passed Senate with an amendment and an amendment to the Title by Yea-Nay Vote. 86 - 11. Record Vote Number: 224.
Aug 07, 2026
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment and an amendment to the Title by Yea-Nay Vote. 86 - 11. Record Vote Number: 224.
Aug 07, 2026
Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S4538-4540)
Jul 29, 2026
Measure laid before Senate by motion. (consideration: CR S4323)
Jul 29, 2026
Motion to proceed to consideration of measure agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 84 - 12. Record Vote Number: 213.