Key facts
- The Senate passed a bill that includes provisions for new sanctions against Russia.
- A key provision allows the White House to impose 100% tariffs on major buyers of Russian oil and countries aiding sanctions evasion.
- An amendment to remove these tariff powers failed in a Senate vote.
- Some Democrats voiced concerns about expanding the White House's tariff authority.
- A commitment for an 'off-ramp' for countries facing tariffs was secured, leading to the withdrawal of a proposed amendment.
The Senate has passed a bill imposing new sanctions on Russia, which includes controversial provisions granting the White House broad authority to issue tariffs. The measure allows for 100% tariffs on major purchasers of Russian oil and countries that facilitate sanctions evasion.
An amendment proposed by Senators Rand Paul and Ron Wyden to remove these tariff powers entirely failed in a floor vote, with nearly one-third of the chamber voting in favor of the amendment. This outcome highlighted concerns among some Democrats about expanding the executive branch's tariff authority, particularly given the current administration's willingness to use such tools.
Lawmakers had threatened to block the bill's expedited passage due to disagreements over which amendments would receive a floor vote. Senator Raphael Warnock, alongside Senator Bill Cassidy, had proposed an amendment to limit the tariff powers. Warnock ultimately withdrew his amendment late Thursday after receiving assurances from the Trump administration regarding a clear mechanism for countries to exit tariff measures.
Despite this concession, concerns persist, particularly among House Democrats. Representative Richard Neal, the top Democrat on the House Ways and Means Committee, previously stated that granting extensive new tariff powers to the White House is 'extremely dangerous.'