The U.S. Senate is poised to advance a revised sanctions bill against Russia next week, a legislative package altered at the direction of the White House to include a new raft of sanctions on Iran. The move signals a potential moment of bipartisan cooperation on foreign policy, even as the administration consolidates its economic tools against adversarial nations.
Tariff Authority Narrowed
In a significant concession to fiscal conservatives wary of unchecked executive power, the revised bill sharply curtails the secondary tariff mechanism championed by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. The initial proposal for a blanket 500% tariff rate has been reduced to 100%, and the president's authority to impose them is now capped at five countries. Administration officials have indicated their support for the final structure, a deal secured by Graham in the days before his passing.
"This is a big effing deal," Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) said, quoting Graham's assessment of the White House agreement.
Iran Component Added at Trump's Behest
The inclusion of Iran sanctions follows a direct demand from the president, who stated the move aligned with Graham's original vision. The specific Iran measures in the bill are described as noncontroversial extensions of existing sanctions previously set to expire at year's end. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) endorsed the addition, noting widespread conference support for action that would occur regardless.
While the sanctions package has drawn opposition from some Democrats concerned about expanding presidential tariff authority, the bill's proponents hold a filibuster-proof majority, with over 60 senators signed on as cosponsors. The legislation builds on perceived Ukrainian battlefield momentum and aims to tighten the economic vise on the Kremlin while addressing the Iranian regime's financial networks.
The floor schedule remains subject to a time agreement between leadership, but the sidelining of other major legislation, such as the CLARITY Act on cryptocurrency, is expected to free up floor time for debate and a final passage vote honoring Graham's final legislative priority.