Staff Reports
The House has sent the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 to President Trump after a strong 262–159 vote. Lawmakers from both parties finally did what they should have done years ago: give the president real tools to stop Moscow’s war machine and to squeeze Tehran. This is not theater. It is a choice between using leverage or watching our rivals profit from chaos.
What the bill does — tariffs, sanctions, and the Graham name
100 percent tariffs, carve-outs, and clear targets
The bill gives the president authority to impose secondary tariffs of up to 100 percent on imports from major buyers of Russian oil and gas. It also makes permanent or expands sanctions on Russian officials, oligarchs, shadow fleets and certain financial networks. At President Trump’s request, the package includes extended tools to go after Iran’s energy and weapons sectors too. The Senate already approved the measure by a wide margin, and the White House signaled it would recommend signing if presented. Naming the law for Senator Lindsey Graham makes plain the goal: punish those who bankroll aggression.
Why this matters
Leverage over China, India and Putin’s war chest
If used wisely, this is leverage — not a magic wand. China and India have been buying discounted Russian crude and filling Moscow’s coffers. The new tariff authority makes buying cheap oil from a warmonger a real political and economic cost. That can change behavior faster than speeches and press releases. Lindsey Graham spent his career pushing for tools like this. Let’s give his work a chance to work.
Real risks — but not the ones the left frets about
Trade headaches are real, but hypocrisy is worse
Yes, expanding presidential tariff power carries risks. Trade experts warn of higher prices and retaliation. Those are real concerns and should be watched. But the carve-outs and reporting rules in the bill are guardrails, and Congress can and must do oversight. Meanwhile, it’s rich to hear Democrats suddenly worry about tariffs after pushing for tougher Russia action for years — until a Republican president gets the tool. That’s politics, not principle.
What comes next — sign it, then make the rules public
Demand transparency, audits and swift enforcement
The immediate move is simple: President Trump should sign the bill. After that, the Treasury and Commerce departments must lay out clear rules so the world knows what behavior triggers tariffs and what fixes the problem. Congress should demand public reports, quick hearings and targeted enforcement aimed at the real enablers of Putin and Tehran. This bill hands the president muscle. Don’t let it become a paper tiger. Use it, watch closely, and make sure the price of supporting aggression rises — sharply.
