Maryland Rep. Steny Hoyer Urges House Action on Bipartisan Russia-Iran Sanctions Bill to Support Ukraine

Maryland Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) testified before the House Committee on Rules, today, to urge swift passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, warning that congressional inaction would deliver a devastating blow to Ukraine while emboldening Moscow.

Legislative Background & Context

* The Measure: The bipartisan legislation honors the late Senator Lindsey Graham and establishes strict sanctions targeting Russian defense, energy, and financial sectors, while extending crucial sanctions authorities regarding Iran.

* Bipartisan Senate Support: The bill advanced out of the U.S. Senate with overwhelming bipartisan backing—passing with 87 senators in support—before reaching the House Rules Committee.

* Last Major Action on Ukraine: Hoyer stressed that Congress has not passed major legislative support for Ukraine since April 2024, creating an urgent need for lawmakers to take decisive action before recess.

Key Points of Hoyer’s Rules Committee Testimony

* The High Stakes for Kyiv & the Kremlin: Hoyer warned colleagues that failing to pass the legislation would send the wrong message internationally, declaring: "If we do not pass this bill, there will be great joy in the Kremlin and great devastation in Kyiv."

* Targeting Sanctions Evasion & Energy Profits: The legislation restricts funding for Russia's military campaign by penalizing foreign purchasers of Russian oil and gas and preventing manipulation of trade data to evade sanctions.

* Hoyer’s Proposed Amendment on Tariffs: While opposing broader tariff expansion, Hoyer offered an amendment specifically naming the 10 countries subject to the bill's tariff and sanctions mechanism. The change aimed to tighten legal boundaries and prevent unilateral presidential overreach while keeping economic pressure focused directly on nations actively financing Russia’s war efforts.

* A Definitive Policy Marker: Hoyer emphasized that passing the bill ensures Congress establishes a clear, binding U.S. policy in support of Ukraine’s defense and international law rather than leaving foreign policy solely in the executive branch's hands.

Full statements and legislative updates can be reviewed directly via Congressman Steny Hoyer's office.