Archive · 18 Sep 2026
Krishnamoorthi Alone Among Indian-American Lawmakers Backs Russia Sanctions
The U.S. House voted on a bill to punish Russia and Iran.
The bill passed by 262 votes to 159.
It would place 100% tariffs on the five biggest buyers of Russian oil and gas.
This could affect countries such as India and China.
Six Indian-American lawmakers are in the House, and Raja Krishnamoorthi was the only one who voted for the bill.
Five others voted against it, following the Democratic Party line.
The bill does not include U.S. purchases of uranium from Russia in its sanctions.
Krishnamoorthi said America should support Ukraine in its fight for freedom and sovereignty.
Raja Krishnamoorthi was the only Indian-American member of the U.S. House to support the Russia sanctions bill.
Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal, Ami Bera, Shri Thanedar and Suhas Subramanyam voted against it.
The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning of Russia and Iran Act passed 262-159 on Wednesday.
The bill would impose 100% tariffs on the five largest buyers of Russian oil and gas, potentially affecting India and China.
Krishnamoorthi said the United States must support Ukraine after meeting an Illinois Ukrainian advocacy group.
- Who
- Raja Krishnamoorthi and five other Indian-American Democratic lawmakers in the U.S. House.
- What
- The House passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning of Russia and Iran Act, with Krishnamoorthi as the only Indian-American lawmaker voting for it.
- When
- Wednesday, September 18; the year is not specified in the report.
- Where
- The U.S. House of Representatives in Washington.
- Why
- The bill seeks to sanction Russia and Iran, including by imposing 100% tariffs on the five largest buyers of Russian oil and gas; Krishnamoorthi also cited support for Ukraine.
Bill Supporters
Bill Opponents
Sanctions and support for Ukraine
Bill Supporters
Krishnamoorthi supported the bill and said the United States must stand with Ukraine in its fight for freedom and sovereignty.
Bill Opponents
The other five Indian-American lawmakers voted against the bill, following the Democratic Party line; the report does not give their individual reasons.
Economic impact
Bill Supporters
Supporters backed legislation that includes 100% tariffs on the five largest buyers of Russian oil and gas.
Bill Opponents
The tariffs could affect India and China, while the bill exempts U.S. purchases of Russian uranium from its sanctions.
- House vote
- 262-159 in favor
- Indian-American supporters
- Raja Krishnamoorthi was the only one of six to vote for the bill
- Indian-American opponents
- Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal, Ami Bera, Shri Thanedar and Suhas Subramanyam voted against it
- Tariff provision
- 100% tariffs on the five largest buyers of Russian oil and gas
- Potentially affected countries
- India and China
- Uranium exemption
- U.S. purchases of uranium from Russia are exempted from the sanctions
- Krishnamoorthi's status
- He is set to retire from the House in January next year