The US House is preparing to vote this week on a bill that would give Donald Trump broader authority to impose tariffs on Russia and countries that buy Russian oil. The House rules committee approved the measure on Monday; a rule vote is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, followed by a general vote on Wednesday.
The Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 has drawn opposition from Ukraine-sceptic Republicans and prominent Democrats, who support pressure on Russia but warn that the bill could give the president excessive tariff power and raise prices for Americans.
What the bill would do
The legislation would target Russia’s energy and defense industries, along with its “shadow fleet” of tankers that evade existing oil sanctions. It would also authorize tariffs of up to 100% on major purchasers of Russian oil, including China and India.
A proposed amendment from Representative Steny Hoyer identified 10 countries for secondary sanctions: China, India, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Singapore, Slovakia and the United Arab Emirates. Democratic negotiators have also discussed limiting the eligible countries to 11, but the material does not establish that change as final.
Why Democrats are divided
Representatives Gregory Meeks, Don Beyer and Richard Neal said the bill would expand presidential tariff authority without requiring sanctions on Russia. They argued that the measure could increase prices in the United States, weaken support for Ukraine and allow tariffs to be used against US allies. Read the context: Senate passes Russia sanctions bill, but House vote is delayed.
Neal said his objection was about what he called the abusive potential of tariffs and the lack of protection if Trump later took a harsher position toward Ukraine. Isolationist Republicans also oppose the bill, making Democratic votes important to its prospects.
Ukraine urges passage
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Monday that the bill should become law, arguing that stronger economic pressure could help end Russia’s war. Vitaly Kim, Ukraine’s minister of veterans affairs, likewise said sanctions targeting Russia’s economy and military sector would help limit its ability to buy weapons.
The measure was co-authored by the late South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham and advanced after Trump gave Republican allies permission to submit it, ending a congressional deadlock of more than two years. Advocates for Ukraine say it is the strongest available option, while the bill remains subject to House votes and could still face opposition.
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