With broad bipartisan support, Congress is about to give Trump ‘unchecked authority’ to impose new tariffs of up to 100% on top trading partners

The Senate has approved the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026, granting President Donald Trump broad authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on top trading partners importing Russian oil and gas. The bipartisan bill sanctions Russia's President Vladimir Putin and senior officials, targeting the country's energy sector amid its war in Ukraine.

While the bill aims to weaken Russia's economy, critics argue it may harm American families by increasing tariffs on imported goods. The measure allows Trump to impose tariffs as high as 100% on the top five importers of Russian energy, including potential allies like the EU, South Korea, and Japan, as well as major trading partners such as China and India.

The president also has the option to issue waivers based on what he deems "in the national interest." Despite concerns, the bill passed with overwhelming support, as several senators tried but failed to remove the tariff authority. The vote follows the Supreme Court's ruling that Trump can't use the International Emergency Economic Powers Act for his "Liberation Day" tariffs.

However, the Trade Act of 1974, which the bill relies on, provides the president with open-ended authority to impose tariffs as needed. Critics warn this could lead to unpredictable tariff rates, potentially targeting other countries in trade disputes, and undermine a recent trade truce between the U.S. and China.