The US House of Representatives voted 262-159 to send a bipartisan Russia sanctions bill to President Donald Trump’s desk. The measure, which had already passed the Senate, would allow tariffs of up to 100 percent on countries including China and India that import Russian energy, while imposing sanctions on Russian officials, banks and a shadow tanker fleet.
What the legislation would target
The bill is designed to further restrict money reaching Moscow during Russia’s war in Ukraine. Its measures include sanctions on Russian officials and banks, as well as tankers described in the legislation as part of a shadow fleet that keeps Russian energy moving. Read the context: Senate passes Russia sanctions bill, but House vote is delayed.
The proposed tariff authority would apply to countries that import energy supplies from Russia. The bill gives the president the ability to impose those tariffs; it does not require the president to use the authority, according to House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Why the vote drew bipartisan support
Fifty-eight Democrats joined a majority of Republicans in backing the measure. Democratic support for Ukraine has been widespread, but Jeffries opposed the bill, warning that its new tariff powers could be used against US allies and that loopholes could limit the sanctions relief envisioned by the legislation.
The bill was championed by the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and was renamed after his sudden death in July. Graham had helped negotiate Trump’s support for the measure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had pressed lawmakers to approve it, including through a direct appeal to senators before their vote last month.
What happens next
The bill marks the first time in more than two years that Congress has passed legislation supporting Ukraine. Trump is expected to sign it into law.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said the measure would increase pressure on Russia, while Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, who wrote the bill with Graham, said he hoped it would help bring Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiations and end the war.
What happens next
The next confirmed stage is consideration by President Donald Trump, who is expected to sign the bill into law.
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