House Passes Russia Sanctions Bill Named for Lindsey Graham

The update

The House passed legislation named for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, sending it to President Trump for his signature. The bill grants the president authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on the top five purchasers of Russian oil and natural gas, or on countries helping Russia evade sanctions. It also includes provisions extending sanctions on Iran.

Why it matters

This marks Congress’s first bipartisan legislation assisting Ukraine since April 2024. The measure aims to pressure Russia’s energy sector by targeting its top customers, such as China and India. The legislation represents a shift in strategy, using tariff authorities rather than traditional financial sanctions to impact the Kremlin’s war effort.

What to watch

Watch how China and India respond to the threat of tariffs on their Russian energy imports. The bill’s passage also raises questions about Trump’s willingness to sign the legislation into law, given his previous skepticism of trade barriers. Additionally, European allies may adjust their own sanctions strategies in response to the new U.S. measures.

Sources

• npr.org — Bill named for late Sen. Lindsey Graham; authority to impose tariffs on top importers of Russian energy.
• thehill.com — Bipartisan nature of the vote; tariff authority details; extension of sanctions on Iran.