Two Democrats broke ranks Tuesday evening, handing the Republican majority a 214-211 victory to advance the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The procedural win clears the path for a final House vote, set for Wednesday afternoon local time. If it passes, the bill goes straight to Donald Trump for his signature.
The legislation’s teeth lie in its tariff provisions. It authorizes the President to impose duties of up to 100 per cent on any country that continues to import significant volumes of Russian oil. The text does not name names, but it targets the five largest importers. That list includes India and China. Both nations remain critical customers for Moscow’s energy sector, a lifeline that Washington argues funds the war in Ukraine.
Trump has long targeted New Delhi over crude purchases, accusing India of indirectly financing Russian military operations. His administration has already wielded tariffs as a diplomatic hammer against other partners. This bill codifies that threat, giving the White House a statutory mechanism to escalate pressure. The Senate passed the measure on August 7 with an 86-11 vote, signaling broad bipartisan support for the sanctions package.
The bill also expands sanctions on Iran, hitting its leadership, energy sector, and financial institutions. It specifically targets the so-called “shadow fleet” of vessels used to circumvent existing restrictions on Russian oil exports. Pro-Ukraine groups, including the American Coalition for Ukraine, are holding a summit in Washington this week to push for continued support for Kyiv. The lobbying intensifies as the House prepares to finalize the vote.
For Indian policymakers, the stakes are immediate. A 100% tariff would make Russian crude prohibitively expensive, forcing a rapid shift in energy sourcing or risking a trade war. The final House vote happens Wednesday. If approved, Trump signs it into law, and the clock starts on compliance.