Key facts
- The US House of Representatives is advancing a sanctions package targeting Russia and Iran.
- The bill mirrors legislation previously passed by the Senate with an 86-11 vote.
- It aims to target Russian banks, energy revenues, oligarchs, and sanctions-evasion networks.
- The legislation would extend sanctions against Iran through 2031.
- A significant provision grants President Trump authority to impose tariffs on countries purchasing Russian energy or facilitating sanctions evasion.
The US House of Representatives has moved to advance a comprehensive sanctions package targeting Russia and Iran, mirroring legislation recently approved by the Senate with broad bipartisan support. The bill, named in honor of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, aims to exert further pressure on Moscow's war economy by targeting Russian banks, energy revenues, oligarchs, and entities involved in sanctions evasion.
The legislation also extends existing sanctions against Iran through 2031. A particularly contentious provision would grant President Donald Trump significant new authority to impose tariffs of up to 500% on goods imported from Russia and up to 100% on goods from countries that are major purchasers of Russian energy or facilitate sanctions evasion.
Supporters are pushing for rapid House action to capitalize on the Senate's overwhelming vote, while acknowledging potential debates over the scope of presidential tariff authority and its application to key energy-buying nations. The bill's introduction in the House was led by Republican Representatives Michael McCaul and Brian Fitzpatrick, and Democratic Congressman Steny Hoyer, who emphasized the need to support Ukraine's defense against aggression and to dismantle the financial foundations of Russia's war machine.
While the sanctions themselves command broad support, the extent of delegated tariff power to the president and the aggressive application of these measures against major Russian energy buyers are expected to be points of contention. Proponents argue the tariff threat is a crucial tool to compel countries to choose between commercial ties with Russia and access to the US market. Critics, however, may raise concerns about potential broader economic consequences and the significant discretion granted to the White House on trade policy.