Senate Agrees to Proceed to Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act (84-12), Passes Ghislaine Maxwell Pardon Resolution, and Blocks Key Veterans' Benefits and Election Integrity Bills
The Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to H.R. 5334, a bill expected to be amended with the "Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026." This action sets the stage for debate on comprehensive sanctions targeting Russia's war funding and extending existing sanctions against Iran. Additionally, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution (S. Res. 608) expressing the sense of the Senate that Ghislaine Maxwell should not be granted a presidential pardon. However, several other significant legislative efforts, including bills related to veterans' benefits and election integrity/congressional stock trading, were blocked from immediate consideration through unanimous consent requests. A cloture motion on S. Res. 817, authorizing en bloc consideration of certain nominations, was also agreed to.
This chamber-day was marked by a significant bipartisan vote to advance a major sanctions package, reflecting a strong congressional stance on international conflicts. Concurrently, the unanimous passage of a resolution against pardoning a convicted sex trafficker underscored a rare moment of unity on a high-profile ethical issue. The repeated blocking of other bills through unanimous consent, despite stated bipartisan support for their underlying goals, highlights deep-seated disagreements over policy details and procedural tactics, particularly concerning veterans' care and electoral processes. The day's proceedings demonstrate both areas of legislative consensus and persistent partisan stalemates on critical domestic issues.
Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026
H.R. 5334Question before the chamber
Motion to proceed to H.R. 5334, a bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow early childhood educators to take the educator expense deduction, with the stated intent of amending it with the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026.
The case for
Senator Thune stated the bill would give the President tools to end the war in Ukraine by targeting Russia's funding, particularly through oil and gas sales facilitated by its 'shadow fleet.' He noted it would levy tariffs of up to 100 percent against large purchasers of Russian energy, like China, and sanction officials and entities facilitating these sales. Senator Barrasso added that the bill strengthens national security, pressures adversaries, and targets Russia's Achilles' heel in energy. He highlighted that it also extends sanctions against Iran, which is partnering with Russia in aggression. Both emphasized the bill as a fitting tribute to the late Senator Lindsey Graham and noted its broad bipartisan support.
The case against
No direct opposition to the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act itself was aired during the debate on the motion to proceed. However, Senator Durbin and Senator Kaine criticized the President's broader war policies and defense spending, particularly regarding the war in Iran, which they deemed illegal and costly.
Disposition
Motion to proceed · recorded vote
Agreed to
84-12
Who is affected
- Russian government and affiliated entities: Subject to comprehensive sanctions targeting financial institutions, energy sector, and individuals, aiming to cripple war funding.
- Foreign purchasers of Russian energy (e.g., China, India): Subject to duties of up to 100 percent on goods imported into the United States, unless steps are taken to reduce reliance on Russian energy.
- Ukrainian citizens: Potential for an end to military hostilities and subversion of their government, and protection of critical infrastructure.
- Iranian regime: Extension of existing sanctions for another five years.
- Global energy markets: Potential for increased energy prices due to restrictions on Russian oil and gas trade.
Take Care of America's Veterans Act
S. 4744Question before the chamber
Unanimous consent requests for immediate consideration and passage of S. 4744, with competing substitute amendments from Senator Moran and Senator Blumenthal.
The case for
Senator Moran argued that S. 4744 would expand benefits and healthcare for millions of veterans, including addressing the 'Major Richard Star Act' injustice by allowing medically retired, combat-disabled veterans to receive both VA disability and DOD retirement pay. He stated the bill also includes the 'Love Lives on Act' for surviving spouses and expands access to mental health treatment. He asserted that the bill's offset, codifying VA rule changes on sleep apnea and tinnitus, uses savings that the VA is already planning to implement, and these savings would otherwise be lost to the General Treasury, representing a lost opportunity to help veterans. He emphasized the need for legislative results now.
The case against
Senator Blumenthal objected to the Moran substitute, arguing it would cut over $50 billion in benefits for disabled veterans suffering from sleep apnea and tinnitus. He stated that the Biden administration had previously backed down from a similar proposal due to outrage. He proposed an alternative offset using over $75 billion in unspent and unobligated Department of Defense funds from H.R. 1, which he claimed the CBO confirmed could be used for savings. He argued against codifying benefit cuts and pitting veterans against each other.
Disposition
Unanimous consent requests for immediate consideration and passage · other
Objected to, preventing passage
Who is affected
- Medically retired, combat-disabled veterans: Would receive both VA disability compensation and DOD retirement pay, addressing a long-standing injustice.
- Surviving spouses of fallen servicemembers and veterans: Would be able to remarry without losing essential benefits.
- Veterans with service-connected sleep apnea and tinnitus: Potentially face benefit cuts if the VA's proposed rule changes are codified and implemented without alternative offsets.
- All veterans: Expanded access to mental health treatments and high-quality care in VA facilities and the community.
Stop Insider Trading Act / SAVE America Act
H.R. 7008Question before the chamber
Unanimous consent requests for immediate consideration and passage of H.R. 7008, and later for a 60-vote threshold vote, which includes provisions on banning congressional stock trading and requiring voter ID.
The case for
Senator Ricketts argued the bill would restore integrity and confidence in Congress by prohibiting Members from buying individual stocks and requiring 7-day notice for sales, with significant penalties. He stated that 80 percent of Americans believe Congress does a poor job separating financial interests from insider information. He also highlighted the voter ID requirement, noting that 83 percent of Americans, including 71 percent of Democrats, support it. Senator Sullivan and Senator Moreno echoed these points, emphasizing the common sense nature of the proposals and the bipartisan support for banning insider trading.
The case against
Senator Padilla objected, arguing the bill contains two "poison pills": exempting the President from the stock trading ban (citing President Trump's frequent trades and alleged sale of inside information) and including the SAVE Act, which he claimed makes it harder for eligible Americans to vote and sows distrust. He stated the voter ID requirement in H.R. 7008 is more restrictive than existing State laws and would undermine mail voting. He proposed S. 1498 (the HONEST Act) as a bipartisan alternative for stock trading, which he noted had passed committee on a bipartisan basis.
Disposition
Unanimous consent requests for immediate consideration and passage, and for a 60-vote threshold vote · other
Objected to, preventing passage or scheduling of a vote
Who is affected
- Members of Congress: Would be prohibited from purchasing individual stocks and required to give advance notice for sales, with penalties for violations.
- The President and Vice President: Would be exempted from the stock trading ban, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
- American voters: Would be subject to federal voter ID requirements, with proponents arguing it enhances integrity and opponents arguing it creates barriers to voting.
- American public: Impact on trust in government institutions and the perceived fairness of elections.
Motion to Proceed to Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act Agreed To
highThe Senate voted 84-12 to agree to the motion to proceed to H.R. 5334, a bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code. This procedural step is intended to allow the Senate to consider and adopt the "Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026" as an amendment to H.R. 5334. Proponents emphasized the bill's role in honoring the late Senator Graham and its aim to cripple Russia's war machine and extend sanctions on Iran.
Resolution Against Ghislaine Maxwell Pardon Passed Unanimously
mediumThe Senate unanimously agreed to S. Res. 608, expressing the sense of the Senate that Ghislaine Maxwell should not be granted a Presidential pardon or any form of clemency for her crimes. Senator Rosen, the sponsor, highlighted the importance of this resolution given recent discussions about a potential pardon and the upcoming Attorney General nomination vote.
Veterans' Benefits Legislation Blocked Over Funding Disagreements
highUnanimous consent requests for the "Take Care of America's Veterans Act" (S. 4744), including a substitute amendment by Senator Moran and a counter-proposal by Senator Blumenthal, were objected to. The core disagreement centered on the funding mechanism, with Senator Moran advocating for using savings from VA rule changes on sleep apnea and tinnitus, and Senator Blumenthal opposing these cuts and proposing to use unobligated Department of Defense funds instead.
Election Integrity and Congressional Stock Trading Bill Blocked
highMultiple unanimous consent requests for H.R. 7008, a bill combining the Stop Insider Trading Act and the SAVE America Act (voter ID), were objected to. Proponents argued the bill would restore confidence in Congress and elections, while opponents cited concerns about the President's exemption from stock trading bans and the restrictive nature of the voter ID provisions.
Cloture on En Bloc Nominations Resolution Agreed To
mediumThe Senate voted 50-45 to agree to a cloture motion on S. Res. 817, an executive resolution authorizing the en bloc consideration of certain nominations on the Executive Calendar. This procedural vote advances the resolution for a final vote.