The US Senate passed a new sanctions bill against Russia on the 7th with a vote of 86 in favor and 11 against.
The bill is named after the late Senator Graham and targets include: senior officials of the Russian federal government, related financial institutions, and other entities owned or controlled by the Russian government.
The prohibited activities include: transfer of funds involving Russia, listing or trading of Russian entities in the US, US individuals or enterprises investing or purchasing Russian sovereign debt, exporting to or investing in the Russian energy sector, and importing Russian uranium, among others.
The bill authorizes the US federal government to impose ad valorem tariffs of up to 500% on goods imported from Russia, and to impose ad valorem tariffs of up to 100% on goods from the top five importers of Russian crude oil or natural gas exported to the US.
The bill also includes exception clauses, authorizing the US president to conditionally grant sanctions waivers.
In addition, the bill simultaneously extends sanctions against Iran.
However, the bill still requires approval from the House of Representatives and the president's signature before it can take effect.