House Democrats are preparing to vote on a Senate-passed bill aimed at sanctioning Russia and Iran, but the legislation has become a point of contention due to provisions that would grant President Donald Trump expanded authority to impose tariffs. The bill, named after the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., has been debated for nearly two years, seeking to impose significant economic pressure on Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine.
While many Democrats strongly support measures to aid Ukraine, they have expressed reservations about empowering Trump with broader tariff powers, which they have historically opposed. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., stated that Democrats are committed to supporting Ukraine and finding a way to pass a sanctions bill while addressing concerns about granting Trump authority that some argue belongs to Congress. He specifically noted concerns about granting Trump authority that the Supreme Court has recently clarified he does not currently possess and should not have, as it constitutionally belongs to Congress.
The legislation proposes increasing tariffs by up to 500% on Russia and up to 100% on countries that purchase Russian energy. It also directs the president to impose substantial sanctions on Russian officials and individuals deemed responsible for the ongoing war. Senior House Democrats, including Reps. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., Richard Neal, D-Mass., and Don Beyer, D-Va., previously issued a statement opposing the bill, arguing it would expand presidential tariff authorities without mandating sanctions on Russia, deeming both unacceptable.
The bill advanced through the House Rules Committee and is slated for a full House vote. With a portion of House Republicans adopting more isolationist stances, Democratic votes are expected to be crucial for the bill's passage.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., a co-sponsor of the bill, defended the tariff language, suggesting that any attempt by Trump to overstep the law would be subject to judicial review, similar to previous disputes over tariffs. Many Senate Democrats ultimately supported granting limited tariff authority in exchange for robust sanctions against Russia, despite past criticisms of trade duties. Some Democrats, such as Sens. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., voiced opposition, but the majority of the Democratic caucus in the Senate approved the measure. Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., secured assurances that the tariffs in the package would be limited to Russia's top five energy trading partners.