Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Richard Blumenthal Drives Bipartisan Russia Sanctions Bill
Richard Blumenthal is a Democratic senator from Connecticut.
He helped create a bill designed to pressure Russia and countries that buy Russian oil and gas.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham also helped lead the effort.
The House of Representatives passed the bill.
If it becomes law, President Donald Trump could impose tariffs of up to 100% on some major buyers of Russian energy.
Blumenthal warned India and China to stop buying that energy from Russia.
India said it must protect the energy needs of its 1.4 billion people.
Blumenthal has been a senator since 2011 and previously worked as Connecticut’s attorney general and U.S. attorney.
Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut co-led a bipartisan Russia sanctions framework with Republican Senator Lindsey Graham.
The House passed legislation allowing President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil and gas.
Blumenthal warned India and China to “clean up your act” and buy energy elsewhere.
India said it remains committed to energy security for its 1.4 billion people and will diversify its energy sources.
Blumenthal, 80, has represented Connecticut in the Senate since 2011 after serving as the state’s attorney general and U.S. attorney.
- Who
- Senator Richard Blumenthal, Senator Lindsey Graham, President Donald Trump, India and China are central figures in the report.
- What
- The U.S. House passed a Russia sanctions bill that could allow tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil and gas.
- When
- The sanctions framework was first introduced in April 2025; Blumenthal issued his warning on Wednesday, September 17.
- Where
- The legislation was considered in the United States, while its potential effects include India and China.
- Why
- The bill aims to pressure Russia and countries that continue purchasing its energy exports.
Supporters of the sanctions bill
Countries targeted by the bill
Pressure on Russian energy buyers
Supporters of the sanctions bill
Blumenthal and his bipartisan partners argue that countries buying Russian oil and gas should face pressure, saying that appeasement is not a strategy.
Countries targeted by the bill
India says it must ensure energy security for its 1.4 billion people and will continue diversifying its energy sources according to market conditions.
Potential tariffs
Supporters of the sanctions bill
The legislation gives President Donald Trump the power to levy sweeping tariffs, potentially reaching 100%, on major buyers of Russian energy.
Countries targeted by the bill
The report says the bill itself does not impose a 100% tariff on India; any such tariff would depend on presidential action under the legislation.
- Office
- U.S. senator from Connecticut
- Senate service
- Since 2011
- Age reported
- 80
- Sanctions authority
- The bill could allow the president to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major Russian energy buyers.
- Initial introduction
- The primary and secondary sanctions bill was introduced in April 2025.
- Committees
- Senate Judiciary; Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; Armed Services; and Veterans’ Affairs
- India’s position
- India said it remains committed to energy security for its 1.4 billion people and will diversify its sourcing strategy.