Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez Votes to Support Ukrainian Defense and Sanction Russia

Resources / Press Share on Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez Votes to Support Ukrainian Defense and Sanction Russia Sep 16, 2026 Press WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez reaffirmed her commitment to the Ukrainian community in Southwest Washington by voting for a comprehensive package of sanctions targeting Russia and anyone who facilitates sanctions evasion. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 is a critical effort to cripple funding for Russia’s War in Ukraine by penalizing countries that buy Russian oil. The bill was voted on in the Senate earlier this year, where it passed 86-11. The bill went on to pass in the House 262-159. This package includes a number of sanctions, specifically it would: Imposes blocking and entry (visa) sanctions on specified Russian officials, including Vladimir Putin and senior political and military leaders, oligarchs who haven’t opposed the war or continue to benefit from ties with the Russian government, executives/controlling owners of major Russian energy projects, foreign companies supporting Russia’s defense industrial base or military, and persons engaged in corruption, money laundering, or sanctions evasion for the Russian government. Imposes sanctions on Russia’s “shadow fleet,” a network of vessels and supporting entities used to transport Russian oil and other goods while concealing ownership or transactions to circumvent sanctions. Imposes sanctions on the Central Bank of Russia, Sberbank, VTB Bank, Gazprombank, and other covered Russian financial institutions. Foreign financial institutions engaging in significant transactions with sanctioned Russian institutions shall also be sanctioned. Imposes sanctions on entities in which the Russian government holds a controlling/majority interest or that are otherwise government-affiliated, and restricts U.S. financial institutions from processing specified transactions involving the Russian government, government-owned entities, or Russian officials. Restricts certain Russian securities from U.S. exchanges; prohibits new U.S. investment in Russia and its energy sector and transfer of U.S.-produced energy or energy products; prohibits purchases of Russian sovereign debt; authorizes restrictions on certain services to Russia; and sanctions certain financial-messaging providers used to circumvent sanctions. Directs implementation of existing restrictions on Russian uranium imports under 42 U.S.C. §2297h-10a(d), including covered uranium associated with Rosatom or its subsidiaries or successors, and requires sanctions against specified officials and shareholders. Extends the deadline of the 1996 Iran Sanctions Act from 2026 to 2031. In addition to steep sanctions the bill would introduce aggressive secondary measures, including up to 500% duties on Russian goods and up to 100% duties on third-party countries that purchase Russian oil/gas or facilitate sanctions evasion. “I’m proud to represent one of the largest Ukrainian communities in America–people who have lost fathers, mothers, sons and daughters in the fight to defeat fascism.,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez, “I urge the President to move quickly to implement these critical sanctions to ensure that Putin and his people know there is a steep price for their continued disregard for the sanctity of life.” Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez has continuously worked to support Ukraine in its fight to end the Russian invasion and to support Ukrainian refugees displaced by the conflict. In 2024, she voted to pass HR 813 , allocating over $60 billion in funding for Ukrainian defense. More recently in the FY27 Defense Appropriations markup, she spoke in support of the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative , a provision to strengthen domestic manufacturing capability to support Ukrainian defense. Additionally, Rep Gluesenkamp Perez supports Ukrainians living in Southwest Washington through her casework channels, helping constituents facing issues with federal agencies. To get in touch or learn about how her office can help with federal agencies, please visit her casework page or Ukrainian Language casework page . #### Share on