Will the Senate pass a Russia sanctions bill before it leaves for its Aug 8 recess?
50% of users predicted YES — the community got this one right. 2 predictions cast.
On Friday, August 7, 2026, the Senate passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act by an 86-11 vote, clearing the chamber just before its scheduled August 8 recess. The bipartisan bill imposes primary and secondary sanctions on Russia's oil and gas trade, including tariffs of up to 100% on the largest purchasers of Russian crude and natural gas, and extends existing sanctions on Iran's energy and weapons sectors. The legislation was originally championed by Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., but stalled for months amid negotiations with the White House over its scope. Graham died on July 11, 2026, and the bill was renamed in his honor; the Senate completed passage using the framework he had negotiated with the administration before his death. The measure now heads to the House, which is on recess until September. Community prediction stood at an even 50% Yes ahead of the vote, reflecting genuine uncertainty about whether leadership could finish floor action before senators left town; the bill did pass, resolving the market Yes.