U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, spoke on the Senate floor in support of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 on July 28. The bill proposes mandatory sanctions against Russian political leadership, financial institutions, and the Russian shadow fleet to restrict revenues funding Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Shaheen said, “This legislation is designed to cut off Vladimir Putin’s most important resource in his war against Ukraine: his money.” She further stated that the bill would impose mandatory sanctions targeting Russia’s war machine, clamp down on its shadow fleet, strengthen financial and export restrictions, and enforce targeted duties on top purchasers of Russian oil and gas. “For the first time, this bill would impose sanctions on the Russian shadow fleet and any foreign vessel that’s used by the Russian government for sanctions evasion,” Shaheen said.
She highlighted President Zelenskyy’s endorsement of the legislation as a way to build upon Ukraine’s battlefield successes. Quoting Zelenskyy, she said, “Everything that reduces Russia’s revenues reduce the ability for Russia to continue the war against Ukraine.”
The act also includes tariffs aimed at countries purchasing large quantities of Russian crude oil or natural gas or facilitating oil sanctions evasion—citing China as topping both lists in 2025. Addressing concerns about tariff provisions affecting allies, Shaheen said Congress is directing these tariffs specifically to increase pressure on Vladimir Putin.
Shaheen recounted her recent visit to Odesa with Senator Graham and described attacks by Russia targeting civilian infrastructure and American businesses operating in Ukraine. She reiterated her call for passage of the act: “Pressure is the only language Vladimir Putin understands. It is the only thing he responds to.”
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee develops U.S. foreign policy through examining treaties and legislation; it was established in 1816 as one of the original standing committees of the Senate. Its Chairman leads majority members while its Ranking Member heads minority members; it has played roles such as supporting measures like the Truman Doctrine (1947), Marshall Plan (1948), shaping U.S.-international relations policy including rejecting Treaty of Versailles (1919-1920), according to the official website.