Archive · 17 Sep 2026
House Passes Bill Targeting Russian Oil Buyers With Tariffs
The House of Representatives approved a bill about countries that buy Russian oil and gas.
The bill would let President Trump place very high tariffs on those countries.
India and China are among the countries that could be affected.
Some European countries could receive exemptions if they show they are reducing their use of Russian energy.
The bill also adds penalties against Russian leaders, banks and ships used to avoid sanctions.
It extends existing sanctions against Iran for five more years.
The Senate had already passed the bill, so it now goes to President Trump.
Some Democrats said the bill gives the president too much power over trade, while Ukraine supported stronger action against Russia.
The U.S. House passed legislation allowing President Trump to impose punitive tariffs on countries importing Russian crude oil and natural gas.
The bill, which previously passed the Senate by an overwhelming margin, now goes to President Trump for his signature.
India and China could face tariffs of up to 100%, while Slovakia, Hungary, Azerbaijan and other importers could also be penalized.
The package expands sanctions on Russian leaders, financial institutions, banking authorities and the oil-tanker shadow fleet, while extending Iran sanctions for five years.
Democrats opposed the expanded executive trade authority, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged lawmakers to approve stronger pressure on Moscow.
- Who
- The U.S. House and Senate, President Trump, Democratic lawmakers, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and countries importing Russian energy are involved.
- What
- Congress passed legislation creating a path for tariffs of up to 100% on countries that continue importing Russian crude oil and natural gas, along with expanded sanctions.
- When
- The House passed the bill after the Senate had already approved it; the article does not provide a specific date.
- Where
- The legislation was considered in the United States Congress and would affect international energy trade.
- Why
- Supporters seek to increase pressure on Moscow and discourage purchases of Russian energy, while opponents object to granting the president broader tariff authority.
Supporters of stronger pressure on Russia
Opponents of expanded executive tariff power
Pressure through energy trade
Supporters of stronger pressure on Russia
Supporters say tariffs and expanded sanctions can pressure Moscow by penalizing countries that continue buying Russian energy.
Opponents of expanded executive tariff power
Opponents focus on the risk of giving the executive branch unusually broad control over trade policy.
Urgency of congressional action
Supporters of stronger pressure on Russia
Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged lawmakers to take decisive action, saying that making an imperfect decision could be preferable to doing nothing during the war.
Opponents of expanded executive tariff power
Democratic opposition, including Representative Richard Neal, centered on opposition to granting President Trump more tariff authority.
- House action
- The U.S. House passed the legislation.
- Senate status
- The Senate had previously passed the bill by an overwhelming margin.
- Potential tariff
- Countries continuing to import Russian crude oil and natural gas could face tariffs of up to 100%.
- Potential targets
- India and China are specifically identified; Slovakia, Hungary and Azerbaijan could also face penalties.
- Sanctions expansion
- The package targets Russian leadership, financial institutions, banking authorities and the oil-tanker shadow fleet.
- Iran provision
- Existing sanctions against Iran would be extended for five years.
- Next step
- The bill moves to President Trump's desk for his signature.