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House Set to Pass Russia Sanctions Bill Backed by Graham
The U.S. House is preparing to vote on a bill that would put stronger economic pressure on Russia.
The bill targets Russian energy, defense companies, and tankers accused of avoiding existing sanctions.
It also lets President Donald Trump impose tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil and gas.
The Senate already approved the bill by a large vote of 86-11.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy supports the measure and says it could help Ukraine.
Some Democrats worry that Trump would receive too much power over tariffs and might not be required to use the sanctions.
Some Republicans oppose sanctions because they prefer less government intervention and a less involved foreign policy.
If the House passes it, Trump plans to sign the bill into law.
The House is expected to vote Wednesday, Sept. 16, on a sweeping Russia sanctions bill.
The measure targets Russia’s energy and defense industries and its “shadow fleet” of tankers.
It would authorize President Donald Trump to impose tariffs on countries relying on Russian oil and gas.
The Senate passed the bill 86-11 last month, with strong bipartisan support.
Democratic and some Republican lawmakers object to expanded tariff powers, possible waivers, and economic costs.
- Who
- The U.S. House of Representatives, President Donald Trump, supporters of the bill, and its Democratic and Republican opponents are central to the decision; Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy supports it.
- What
- The House is expected to vote on the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, a bill expanding sanctions on Russia and Iran and authorizing additional tariffs.
- Where
- The vote will take place in the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D.C.
- When
- The House vote is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 16; the Senate passed the bill last month.
- Why
- Supporters say the bill would increase pressure on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine and signal continued U.S. support for Ukraine.
Opponents
Backers
Presidential tariff authority
Opponents
House Democrats argue the bill gives Trump too much power to impose tariffs, including against U.S. allies, and that he already has sufficient authority to sanction Russia.
Backers
Supporters argue expanded economic tools are needed to pressure Russia and countries that enable its energy trade.
Sanctions and waivers
Opponents
Critics say the text could minimize the obligation to impose sanctions and make it too easy for Trump to waive them.
Backers
Backers say the legislation would send Russia and the wider world a strong message that Washington supports Ukraine.
Economic and foreign-policy costs
Opponents
Some Republicans view sanctions as unwarranted free-market intervention, while others fear tariffs could raise consumer prices and cause political damage before the midterm elections.
Backers
Other Republicans and Democrats supporting the bill view pressure on Russia as necessary because its invasion threatens Ukraine, Eastern Europe, and NATO.
Key facts
- Bill name
- Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026
- House action
- A vote is expected on Wednesday, Sept. 16
- Senate vote
- Passed 86-11 last month
- Targets
- Russia’s energy and defense industries, its “shadow fleet,” and Iran
- Tariff authority
- Would authorize Trump to impose tariffs on China, India, and other countries dependent on Russian oil and gas
- Next step
- House passage would send the bill to the White House, where Trump plans to sign it
- Graham legislation
- Lindsey Graham and dozens of senators introduced the measure in April 2025
Quotes
Volodymyr Zelenskiy
President of Ukraine who urged lawmakers to pass the sanctions bill
“White House lawyers drafted the current text to maximize President Trump’s authority to impose new import taxes on the American people, and to minimize any obligation to actually impose new sanctions on Russia or its enablers”
theprint.in
“This bill will have a direct impact on the conflict threatening Eastern Europe and NATO itself and can bring this to an end to get Putin to the negotiating table.”
theprint.in
Sources
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