Key facts
- Ukraine's Presidential Sanctions Commissioner Vladyslav Vlasiuk is optimistic about the U.S. House passing a Russia sanctions bill.
- The bill, named the Lindsey Graham Russia Sanctions Act, would impose tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil and gas.
- The Senate passed the bill with an overwhelming majority in early August.
- Democrats are wary of granting President Donald Trump additional tariff authority, while House Speaker Mike Johnson has not prioritized the bill.
- Vlasiuk suggested the House might use a fast-track 'suspension of the rules' procedure for a vote within a week.
- The bill includes sanctions against Iran, a move supported by Ukraine due to its military alliance with Russia.
Ukraine's Presidential Sanctions Commissioner Vladyslav Vlasiuk expressed optimism on September 3 that the U.S. House of Representatives may fast-track a bill imposing sanctions against Russia. The legislation, dubbed the Lindsey Graham Russia Sanctions Act, would impose tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil and gas and previously passed the Senate with overwhelming support.
Vlasiuk, who has been lobbying in Washington, stated that his meetings with lawmakers from both parties have been promising, with general agreement on increasing pressure on Russia. He suggested that a vote could occur within a week using a simplified 'suspension of the rules' procedure, which is typically used for non-controversial or bipartisan bills.
However, the bill faces significant hurdles in the House. Democrats have expressed reservations about granting President Donald Trump additional authority to impose tariffs, while Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson has not indicated urgency in bringing the bill to the floor. The legislation also includes sanctions against Iran, a late addition aimed at securing Trump's support, which Vlasiuk stated Ukraine supports due to Tehran's military alliance with Moscow.
The proposed sanctions include tariffs of up to 100% on the five largest buyers of Russian oil and gas, as well as countries assisting Russia in evading sanctions. Exemptions are available for countries importing less than 15% of Russia's natural gas exports and actively reducing those imports. The bill also targets senior Russian officials, financial institutions, state-owned companies, and energy projects, along with Russia's shadow fleet and China's support for Russia's defense industry.