The US House approved a Russia and Iran sanctions bill in Washington on September 16, sending it to President Donald Trump, Reuters reported. The 262–159 vote advances an effort to restrict Moscow’s war funding while expanding presidential tariff powers. Congressional statements confirmed the result.
The measure bears the name of the late Senator Lindsey O. Graham. Senator Katie Britt’s office said the Senate had approved it 86–11 on August 7. Reuters reported that 58 House Democrats joined most Republicans in support, while seven Republicans opposed it. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.
According to Britt’s office, the package targets Russian officials, oligarchs, banks and the shadow fleet of tankers used to evade sanctions. It also extends the Iran Sanctions Act by five years, maintaining authority over Iran’s energy and weapons sectors. These are provisions of the bill awaiting presidential action.
Britt’s summary says tariffs could reach 100% for the five largest importers of Russian oil or gas or leading facilitators of oil sanctions evasion. An exemption covers countries taking significant steps to reduce Russian gas imports where those purchases represent less than 15% of Russia’s total gas exports.
The proposed powers divided Democrats. Representative Gregory Meeks said the bill lacked adequate tariff safeguards and did not ensure that Trump would impose sanctions. He warned of costs to Americans and damage to partners. Senator Jeanne Shaheen backed the measure, arguing that cutting Russia’s energy revenue would strengthen Ukraine’s negotiating position.
Shaheen urged Trump to sign the bill immediately and use it to press Moscow toward negotiations. Supporters present it as a way to raise the cost of Russia’s war; Meeks questions whether the administration will apply it as intended. The next step is presidential action, followed by implementation if it becomes law.
Comments