Archive · 18 Sep 2026
House Passes Russia Sanctions Bill Giving Trump Tariff Power
The US Congress passed a bill designed to put more economic pressure on Russia.
The bill is connected to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
If President Donald Trump signs it, he could place tariffs as high as 100% on countries that keep buying Russian oil and gas.
The bill does not automatically create a 100% tariff on China or India.
Trump would have to decide whether to use that power.
China and India are especially important because they continue buying discounted Russian oil.
Supporters say stronger pressure could push Russia toward peace.
Critics worry that the bill gives the president too much control over tariffs and sanctions.
China has also objected to the United States imposing sanctions on other countries.
The House passed the Russia sanctions bill 262-159 after the Senate approved it 86-11 last month.
The bill would allow Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying Russian oil and gas.
A 100% tariff would not be automatic; it would depend on Trump signing the bill and choosing to use the authority.
China and India could face the greatest exposure because they continue purchasing discounted Russian energy.
The legislation targets Russia’s energy and defense sectors, senior officials, its shadow fleet, and expands sanctions related to Iran.
- Who
- The US Congress, President Donald Trump, Russia, China, India, and critics and supporters of the sanctions bill.
- What
- Congress passed a bill allowing the president to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that continue buying Russian energy, while expanding sanctions on Russia and Iran.
- When
- The House passed the bill on Wednesday; the Senate passed it 86-11 last month.
- Where
- The legislation passed through the United States Congress in Washington.
- Why
- Supporters want to increase economic pressure on Russia over its war in Ukraine and reduce revenue from Russian energy exports.
Bill Supporters
Bill Critics
Economic pressure on Russia
Bill Supporters
Supporters say tougher sanctions and tariffs are needed because Russia’s war in Ukraine continues without a peace settlement.
Bill Critics
Critics describe the bill as flawed and object to expanding sanctions or using economic pressure against other countries.
Presidential tariff authority
Bill Supporters
Supporters view the authority as leverage against Russia and major purchasers of its energy, including China and India.
Bill Critics
Democrats, including Hakeem Jeffries, argue that the bill gives Trump broad authority over tariffs with limited restrictions and could affect American consumers and businesses.
Secondary sanctions
Bill Supporters
Supporters argue that targeting countries buying Russian energy could reduce Moscow’s export revenue and financing for the war.
Bill Critics
China and other Global South leaders have criticized unilateral and secondary sanctions as lacking a basis in international law.
- House vote
- 262-159 in favor
- Senate vote
- 86-11 in favor last month
- Potential tariff
- Up to 100% on countries purchasing Russian oil and gas
- Tariff status
- Not automatic; it would depend on Trump signing the bill and using the authority
- Most exposed countries
- China and India
- Russia-related targets
- Energy and defense sectors, senior officials, and the shadow fleet of vessels
- Additional provisions
- The bill expands sanctions related to Iran
