House Passes Russia Sanctions Bill With Tariff Authority for Trump
Democrats reluctantly backed a sweeping sanctions package against Russia and Iran, including provisions that grant President Trump expanded tariff authority, a move that has drawn significant opposition from some within the party.
The House of Representatives has passed a broad sanctions package targeting Russia and Iran, including the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which grants President Trump significant tariff authority. The bill, which passed with bipartisan support in the Senate, faced resistance from some House Democrats who expressed concerns about granting the president new powers to impose tariffs.
The legislation allows for tariffs of up to 500% on Russian imports and up to 100% on the top five countries importing Russian energy. It also targets Russian officials, oligarchs, banks, and Iran's energy and weapons sectors, aiming to pressure Moscow regarding its ongoing conflict in Ukraine and incentivize peace in the Middle East.
Several Democrats voted with Republicans to advance the bill. However, key figures like Rep. Richard Neal, D-Mass., and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., voiced opposition, citing worries that the tariff authority could be misused and that loopholes might weaken the sanctions' impact. Jeffries stated that the bill's wording made it unlikely that sanctions relief would be effectively implemented.
Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, a proponent of the bill, argued during debate that the legislation projects strength abroad and targets the financial mechanisms fueling Russia's war machine. He emphasized that while sanctions can be evaded, tariffs cannot.
Despite internal party divisions, the bill's passage was bolstered by votes from Democrats like Reps. Jared Golden of Maine and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington, who previously defied party leaders on other issues. Golden's spokesman noted his consistent support for Ukraine and desire to prevent the sanctions bill from failing.
Supporters of the tariff provision, such as Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., who helped craft the bill, suggested that any misuse of the authority by President Trump would be subject to legal challenges, referencing past instances where presidential tariff actions faced judicial restraint.
The bill now heads to President Trump's desk for his signature.