This week, Senator Reverend Warnock voted to start debate on the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026

The Senator introduced a series of amendments to ensure maximum pressure on Russia while protecting American consumers from more reckless tariffs from President Trump, which have spiked the prices of everyday goods

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on International Trade, Customs, and Global Competitiveness, introduced a series of amendments to the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 after voting “YES” to begin debate on the legislation. The Senator seeks to ensure maximum pressure on Russia while limiting President Trump’s authority to unilaterally impose tariffs on imports, which continues to raise prices for Americans.

Amendment 1

This amendment would require that tariffs placed on countries that are the top five purchasers of Russian oil, top five purchasers of Russian natural gas, and the top five sanctions evasion facilitators are removed once the country in question is no longer on any one of these three lists. This would provide an incentive for countries to reduce their purchases of Russian energy commodities and cease their support of sanctions evaders. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) co-leads this amendment. Amendment text HERE.

Amendment 2

This amendment would restore Congress’s Article I authority by requiring Congressional approval for the President to impose tariffs. Under this amendment, the President would have the authority to impose duties for 30 days; at that time, Congress would be required to pass a resolution of approval to continue duties. The resolution of approval would be set at a simple majority threshold and subject to other fast-track procedures for such resolutions. Congress would be required to pass such a resolution of approval every 60 days. Amendment text HERE.

Amendment 3

This amendment would create a robust process that must be followed before the President imposes tariffs. This process would require USTR to form an investigative committee, research and develop facts, formally consult with foreign countries, hold public hearings, solicit public feedback, and require a more forceful case for tariffs through the authorities created in this act than is currently provided for. Amendment text HERE.

The non-partisan Tax Foundation found President Trump’s tariffs cost the average American household $1,000 last year. Most American families are on track to lose $1,300 from President Trump’s tariffs in 2026. This week, Senator Warnock unveiled a new report that found the cost of required school supplies for a 4th grader can cost Georgia families more than $130 per child. Senator Warnock continues to push back against the Trump administration’s reckless tariff policy and the uncertain market conditions it creates for Georgia small businesses and the higher prices it imposes on Georgia families. Senator Warnock is vigilant in defending programs that help Georgia small business owners keep more profits in their pockets.

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