US Congress Passes Graham Act Targeting Russian Oil Imports

The US House of Representatives passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 on September 16, sending the bipartisan bill to President Donald J. Trump for his signature. The legislation, which cleared the Senate on August 7, aims to pressure the Kremlin to end its war against Ukraine by targeting countries that help Russian energy exports.

Analysts now question whether the administration will implement the act as its sponsors intended. Some opponents fear the White House may stall or subvert the bill's intent rather than use it to bolster US negotiating efforts. The act is named for the late senator Lindsey Graham.

Key Tariff Provision

The bill's most powerful and controversial element is Section 113. It authorizes tariffs of up to 100 percent on nations that import large volumes of Russian crude oil or natural gas or are major facilitators of sanctions evasion. The potential target list includes China and India, but may also extend to US allies like Turkey and Japan and European Union members such as Slovakia and Hungary.

Critics argue tariffs are a poor tool for pressuring Russia or third countries. They point to the administration's often clumsy handling of tariffs as evidence. A specific concern is that Section 113 grants the White House broad authority that could be abused, for instance by imposing tariffs on the entire EU due to purchases by some member states.

Built-in Flexibility

The act includes flexibility mechanisms that could aid its implementation. Section 113(b) allows for tariff rate adjustments if a country reduces or ends its imports of Russian oil or gas. This gives the United States room to work with nations willing to lower their purchases. The EU already requires member states to eliminate Russian oil and gas purchases by the end of 2027.

The United States could pursue similar 'ramp down' arrangements with importers like India and China, a process previously used to reduce their purchases of Iranian oil. Also, Section 113(c) limits the tariffs to the five largest importers of Russian oil and gas, keeping the list of targeted countries relatively small.

Sanctions Expertise and Concerns

A former sanctions coordinator at the US Department of State, who helped design measures against Russia after its 2014 invasion of Ukraine, believes Section 113 could be used effectively. The official, who negotiated with European governments, stated the provision could help cut Russia's income from energy sales if implemented in good faith.

Sanctions are formal, punitive measures between states, often imposed for treaty violations or under international law. Their typical targets include government officials, specific industries, or a state's economy, with common forms being trade embargoes, asset freezes, and travel bans. The former official's concern is not that the administration will use the act against the EU, but that it will issue waivers and avoid using the tough provisions altogether.

Path Forward and Allied Solidarity

The article argues Congress accepted the bill's risks because it could push Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war. The author suggests President Trump should sign the bill with fanfare, surrounded by bipartisan supporters including Senator Darlene Graham Nordone, Graham's sister, who now holds his seat.

Such a demonstration of US commitment would hearten Ukrainians, the source states. It would also show European allies, who face Russian aggression through drone attacks, assassinations, and arson, that the United States stands in solidarity. This move might send a message to the Kremlin to stop stalling peace negotiations.