The Senate overwhelmingly approved a long-stalled sanctions bill targeting Russia and Iran on Friday, a legislative effort championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham.
The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 passed with an 86-11 vote. The legislation aims to restrict Russian oil and gas exports, which have been a source of funding for Russia's ongoing conflict in Ukraine. It also renews existing sanctions on Iran's energy and weapons sectors that are set to expire at the end of the year.
Graham, who died last month, was the principal architect of the bill. Co-sponsor Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) stated last week that the bill sends a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin that his "days of war are numbered" and urges a return to negotiations.
Graham's sister, Senator Darline Graham Nordone (R-SC), spoke before the vote, calling for a demonstration of strength and America's role as a "beacon of hope to the free world." She urged colleagues to choose courageously standing against "evil" over maintaining the status quo.
Senator Graham had been working to advance the bill for the past year. It faced delays as President Trump pursued diplomatic efforts to end Russia's war in Ukraine. Just one day before his death on July 11, Graham announced an agreement with the White House to move the bill forward, expressing optimism that it would become law and contribute to ending the conflict.
Senator Graham Nordone was given the honor of announcing the final vote tally.
The bill will now proceed to the House of Representatives, which is scheduled to reconvene on August 31.