Pappas Statement on Need for Russian Sanctions

September 16, 2026 Press Release Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) issued the following statement after voting no on H.R. 5334, the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 : “The United States must stand with Ukraine and hold Russia accountable for its invasion and continued war against a sovereign nation. I support strong sanctions that will punish Russian leadership and weaken its economy and ability to wage this horrific war, which is why earlier this year I helped discharge and pass legislation through the House that would enact aggressive sanctions and tariffs against Putin’s regime,” said Congressman Pappas. “President Trump is waging a reckless trade war against countless nations worldwide that has raised costs for Granite Staters and devastated our small business economy. I cannot support this legislation as drafted that would give the president expansive powers to do more harm while people are already struggling to make ends meet.” Background: Pappas is cosponsor of H.R.2913, the Ukraine Support Act , and forced consideration of the bill by supporting a successful discharge petition and helped pass it through the House in June 2026. The legislation included sanctions on Russian officials, banks, and Rosatom, plus a 500% tariff on Russian goods. He is also a cosponsor of H.R.2548, the Sanctioning Russia Act , which includes sanctions on Russian officials, banks, and energy, plus tariffs on Russia and its energy buyers. In the 117th Congress, Pappas voted in favor of the Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act , which was subsequently signed into law.