SENATE ADVANCES BIPARTISAN RUSSIA, IRAN SANCTIONS BILL HONORING LATE SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM . (PHOTO).

Senate advances bipartisan Russia, Iran sanctions bill honoring late Sen. Lindsey Graham 

 A bipartisan group of senators reached an agreement Tuesday to move forward with a major Russia and Iran sanctions package, honoring the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, who helped negotiate the legislation before his unexpected death earlier this month.

The bill, named the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, reflects Graham’s long-standing support for Ukraine and his efforts to pressure Russia over its invasion. The South Carolina Republican was one of the Senate’s most vocal advocates for Ukraine and had been working with the White House on the proposal in the days before his death.

The Senate is expected to hold a procedural vote on the legislation Tuesday evening following Graham’s funeral service at the Washington National Cathedral. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is in Washington for the service, is expected to meet with senators ahead of the vote and could be at the Capitol as lawmakers consider the measure.

The sanctions package would impose new primary and secondary sanctions on Russia and nations that support Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine. The legislation targets Russian officials, oligarchs, financial institutions and the country’s so-called shadow fleet used to bypass international restrictions.

The bill would also give the president authority to impose tariffs, though those measures would be limited to the five largest importers of Russian crude oil or natural gas and the top five countries accused of helping Russia evade energy sanctions.

The legislation also extends existing sanctions on Iran that were scheduled to expire this year through 2031. Those restrictions are aimed at limiting funding for Iran’s energy and weapons programs.

Senators involved in the bipartisan agreement said advancing the bill would serve as a tribute to Graham’s legacy and continue efforts to pressure Russia and Iran.

The measure has gained support from more than 60 senators, making passage in the Senate likely. Tuesday’s vote is procedural but would set the stage for final approval later this week.

The bill’s path to President Donald Trump’s desk could be delayed because the House is currently out of session until Aug. 31. The House would need to approve the legislation before it can be sent to the president for consideration. White House officials have indicated the measure aligns with Trump’s push for additional sanctions targeting Iran.