Senate Passes Russia Sanctions Bill 86-11 and Confirms Attorney General Todd Blanche 50-49, While Rejecting Voter ID Bill
The Senate conducted a busy session, passing several key legislative measures and confirming numerous nominations. A significant focus was the passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, aimed at imposing economic pressure on Russia, which passed 86-11 after a rejected amendment to remove tariff authority. The chamber also confirmed Todd Blanche as Attorney General with a narrow 50-49 vote, following debate on his qualifications and the Department of Justice's direction. Additionally, a continuing resolution was passed 90-6 to prevent a government shutdown, and a motion to proceed to a bill requiring photo identification for voting failed 52-46.
This chamber-day was highly consequential due to the passage of a major sanctions bill targeting Russia's war machine, which includes new tariff authorities and was a legislative priority. The confirmation of the Attorney General, a critical executive branch position, with a close vote, highlights ongoing debates about the rule of law and the Justice Department's focus. The passage of a continuing resolution averted a government shutdown, ensuring continuity of federal operations. The failure to advance a nationwide voter ID bill indicates persistent divisions on election integrity measures.
Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026
H.R. 5334Question before the chamber
Passage of H.R. 5334, as amended by the Graham-Blumenthal substitute amendment No. 6711.
The case for
Senator Blumenthal argued the bill imposes 'scorching, sledgehammer sanctions and tariffs on Russia to stop the flow of money fueling Putin's war machine.' He stated it would prevent critical resources from flowing to the Kremlin, authorize the President to impose duties on the largest purchasers of Russian crude oil and natural gas, and provide tools to punish those aiding sanctions evasion. Senator Britt emphasized that the bill would 'cut off the flow of money to Putin' and was considered by the late Senator Graham as the 'heart of this bill.' Senator Shaheen highlighted the urgency, stating that the legislation would put pressure on Putin ahead of Russia's upcoming elections and that 'Russia is watching what we do.' Senator Risch added that it would 'magnify the impact of Russia's battlefield losses by imposing crippling economic costs on Russia' and 'strike at the financial engine driving Russia's war machine without increasing the global price of oil.'
The case against
Senator Paul argued that the bill's tariffs would be 'the largest tax increase imposed by a Republican Congress,' costing American families. He stated that tariffs are taxes paid by Americans, citing American retailers receiving refunds from previous tariffs. He also raised constitutional concerns about delegating taxing authority to the executive branch and warned that tariffs on China and India could alienate strategic partners and push them closer to Russia, potentially reigniting trade wars. Senator Wyden echoed concerns that the new tariff authority would allow Donald Trump to 'threaten our trading partners and raise prices on the American people,' leading to 'inflation and corruption' without congressional oversight.
Disposition
The bill, as amended, was passed. · recorded vote
Passed
86-11
Amendments
- An amendment to strike the provision relating to duties on countries that purchase Russian-origin crude oil or natural gas or facilitate sanctions evasion. (Mr. Paul) — rejected [32-64]
- An amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 5334. (Ms. Graham) — agreed to
- An amendment to the title of the bill. (Ms. Graham) — agreed to
Who is affected
- Ukrainian people: Receives strengthened U.S. support against Russian aggression through economic pressure.
- Russian economy and war machine: Faces crippling economic costs due to sanctions and tariffs on energy purchases and evasion activities.
- American consumers: Potentially faces increased prices on imported goods due to new tariff authorities, as argued by opponents.
- U.S. trading partners (e.g., China, India): Subject to potential tariffs if they continue to purchase Russian energy or facilitate sanctions evasion, potentially impacting trade relations.
Nomination of Todd Blanche to be Attorney General
Executive Calendar No. 914Question before the chamber
Will the Senate advise and consent to the Blanche nomination?
The case for
Senator Grassley stated that Mr. Blanche is 'up to that task' with an 'impressive background' and has 'led the Justice Department with distinction.' He highlighted Mr. Blanche's record as a 'tough, fair prosecutor, dedicated to the rule of law,' noting increased fraud enforcement, arrests of violent criminals, thwarted terrorist plots, and seizures of illegal firearms and drugs, leading to the 'lowest murder rate since 1900.' Senator Cassidy, despite acknowledging concerns, concluded that Mr. Blanche 'will run the department as effectively as anyone could under President Trump' and is the right choice given the circumstances. Senator Blackburn praised Mr. Blanche for his role in making communities safe and focusing on rooting out fraud in elections and government programs.
The case against
Senator Cassidy mentioned concerns that Mr. Blanche 'showed poor judgment in approving the anti-weaponization slush fund and exempting the President from IRS audits.' He also expressed concern about 'episodes of apparent lawfare—DOJ bringing suits against political enemies.' No other specific opposition arguments were aired in the Record text provided.
Disposition
The nomination was confirmed. · recorded vote
Confirmed
50-49
Who is affected
- American public: The leadership of the Department of Justice, impacting law enforcement priorities, crime rates, and the administration of justice.
- Department of Justice employees: The leadership and morale of the department, with a confirmed Attorney General providing greater leverage and stability.
- President Trump: Receives a Senate-confirmed Attorney General, potentially enhancing the administration's ability to pursue its justice agenda.
Continuing Resolution
H.R. 6500Question before the chamber
Passage of H.R. 6500, as amended by the Collins substitute amendment No. 6732.
The case for
Senator Collins, as chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, emphasized that the continuing resolution (CR) was bipartisan and supported by the administration, designed to 'prevent a government shutdown.' She highlighted its provisions for 'limited anomalies aimed at avoiding disruptions in crucial government activities and programs,' including WIC, USDA loan programs, HUD housing assistance, and preventing construction delays for Navy vessels. She also noted it includes language to counter cybersecurity threats, provides immediate access to FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund, and prevents a proposed OMB rule from taking effect, which she argued could 'politicize the grant-making process and harm small, rural communities.'
The case against
Senator Budd argued against a provision in the CR that would delay the closure of a 'hemp loophole,' which he stated allows 'intoxicating hemp products being sold and marketed to kids.' He cited a '461-percent increase in cases of pediatric cannabis poisoning' and warned that a delay would allow the 'well-oiled hemp lobbying machine' to 'permanently entrench their intoxicating products into the machinery of government.' Senator Klobuchar, while acknowledging concerns, urged tabling Budd's amendment, stating the CR 'delays a ban on naturally produced hemp products for 4 weeks while taking synthetic hemp derivatives off the market,' and that the original ban was 'tucked into a bill to reopen the government last November' without proper input.
Disposition
The bill, as amended, was passed. · recorded vote
Passed
90-6
Amendments
- An amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 6500. (Ms. Collins) — agreed to
- An amendment to strike section 2019 (related to hemp products). (Mr. Budd) — Motion to table agreed to [61-32]
- An amendment to the title of the bill. (Ms. Collins) — agreed to
Who is affected
- Federal workers and agencies: Ensures continued funding and operations, preventing disruptions from a government shutdown.
- Recipients of federal programs (e.g., WIC, housing assistance): Guarantees continuity of vital benefits and services.
- Military and defense sector: Prevents construction delays for Navy vessels and supports cybersecurity efforts.
- States and localities: Provides immediate access to disaster relief funds and prevents politicization of grant-making processes.
- Hemp industry and consumers: The decision to table the Budd amendment means a temporary delay in a ban on certain hemp products, impacting market stability and public health concerns related to youth access.
Amending the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to Require Voters to Provide Photo Identification
S. 5271Question before the chamber
Motion to proceed to Calendar No. 547, S. 5271.
The case for
Senator Husted argued that 'using a photo ID to vote is common sense' and 'an issue Americans broadly support.' He stated that '36 States require some form of photo ID' and that these laws 'have been tested in elections across this country, and they work.' He asserted that the bill would 'establish nationwide photo ID standards and give Americans better-run and honest and fair elections.'
The case against
Senator Padilla argued that the bill 'is not a simple voter ID bill' and is 'stricter than most voter ID bills in States that already have a voter ID law in place.' He specifically criticized the requirement for voters to 'include a copy of their ID when they vote by mail,' stating this 'would do away with secret ballots as we know it.' He also suggested the Senate should be debating how to bring down costs for working families or the war in Iran instead.
Disposition
The motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed was rejected. · recorded vote
Failed
52-46
Who is affected
- American voters: The debate concerns the ease and security of voting processes, potentially impacting access to the ballot box and confidence in election results.
- Election administrators: The proposed federal standards would impose new requirements on state and local election management.
Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act Passes with Overwhelming Bipartisan Support
highThe Senate passed H.R. 5334, the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, by a vote of 86-11. This legislation, championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, aims to impose scorching sanctions and tariffs on Russia to cut off funding for its war in Ukraine. A key amendment to strike tariff authority was rejected, preserving the bill's economic pressure mechanisms.
Todd Blanche Confirmed as Attorney General in Close Vote
highTodd Blanche was confirmed as Attorney General by a narrow vote of 50-49. Proponents highlighted his impressive background, focus on public safety, and declining crime rates under his acting leadership. Opponents raised concerns about his judgment regarding certain funds and the potential for politicization of the Justice Department.
Continuing Resolution Passed to Avert Government Shutdown
highThe Senate passed H.R. 6500, a continuing resolution, by a vote of 90-6, to fund the government until December 11, 2026. This measure includes limited adjustments for critical programs such as WIC, USDA loan programs, HUD housing assistance, and military construction, and prevents the implementation of a controversial OMB rule on federal financial assistance.
Motion to Advance Nationwide Photo Voter ID Bill Fails
mediumA motion to proceed to S. 5271, a bill to require voters to provide photo identification nationwide, failed to invoke cloture with a vote of 52-46. Proponents argued for the common sense and broad public support for voter ID, while opponents criticized the bill as being overly strict and potentially undermining secret ballots.
Paul-Wyden Amendment to Remove Tariffs from Russia Sanctions Bill Rejected
mediumAn amendment (SA 6715) offered by Senators Paul and Wyden to strike the provision relating to duties on countries that purchase Russian-origin crude oil or natural gas or facilitate sanctions evasion from the Russia sanctions bill was rejected by a vote of 32-64. Proponents argued these tariffs would act as a tax on American consumers and unconstitutionally delegate taxing authority, while opponents stressed their necessity to cripple Russia's war machine.