The House of Representatives is scheduled to consider a significant sanctions package targeting Russia next week, though its path to passage remains uncertain. The bill, which overwhelmingly passed the Senate, has encountered reservations among some House Democrats who are concerned it could grant President Donald Trump excessive tariff authority.
The House Rules Committee has scheduled a meeting on the bill for Monday, with a procedural vote later in the week potentially determining its fate. The legislation is named in honor of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who had advocated for its passage for over a year. The Senate approved the bill 86-11, approximately one month after Graham's passing.
Aim of the Sanctions
The primary objective of the bill is to increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate an end to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly urged the House to pass the bill, emphasizing the need for immediate and robust sanctions. He described the moment as historically significant for the United States and expressed hope for strong decisions from the U.S. administration, including personal decisions by President Trump.
Democratic Concerns
Key Democratic lawmakers, including ranking members of major congressional committees, have expressed solidarity with Ukraine but argue that the current bill could be detrimental. In a joint statement, they called for negotiations to craft legislation that would garner strong bipartisan support in both chambers. They also reiterated their call for the President to utilize existing authorities to expand sanctions on entities supporting Russia's war effort without delay.
The legislative text allows the president to impose tariffs of up to 100% on the top five global purchasers of Russian oil or natural gas, such as China and India. Exceptions are provided for countries importing less than 15% of Russia's natural gas exports and actively working to reduce their reliance on Russian energy.
The bill also introduces sanctions against Putin, senior Russian political and military figures, Russian financial institutions, and Russian energy projects. It aims to broaden U.S. sanctions to encompass older, reflagged oil tankers used by Russia to circumvent existing sanctions on its oil and energy revenues. Furthermore, the legislation includes a provision allowing the White House to waive sanctions or restrictions if the president certifies to Congress that such action is in the national interest.
An extension of certain sanctions on Iran, requested by former President Trump, is also included in the bill. The administration has pursued a strategy of combining economic pressure with the potential for escalated force to resolve the conflict with Iran.
With House lawmakers expected to dedicate the remainder of September and October to campaigning in their home districts for re-election, next week's vote is likely the final opportunity for the House to address this measure before the midterm elections.