Washington: The US House of Representatives is gearing up to address legislation aimed at intensifying economic pressure on Russia. This move sets the stage for a potential clash between Republicans and Democrats concerning the extent of President Donald Trump's tariff powers.
According to Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty, the Senate had previously passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act on August 7 with a substantial 86-11 vote. The legislation targets Russian officials and institutions, as well as the "shadow fleet" of vessels that allow Moscow to bypass sanctions on oil deliveries-a significant revenue source for Russia's economy and its war efforts against Ukraine. The bill grants the US president the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on goods from major buyers of Russian oil and gas and countries involved in evading sanctions. Additionally, it seeks to extend the existing Iran Sanctions Act for another five years.
The House Rules Committee has slated a meeting for September 14 to deliberate on the legislation, as per House leadership. A senior Republican congressional aide mentioned to RFE/RL that Republicans are confident in having the necessary votes to move the bill forward. "We're fine. The numbers are there if the bill gets through Rules on Monday," the aide stated.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (Republican-Louisiana) has urged for bipartisan support for the legislation. However, Democrats are resisting, arguing that the tariff provisions in the bill grant Trump excessive authority without mandating the administration to impose sanctions on Russia. Representatives Gregory Meeks of New York, Don Beyer of Virginia, and Richard Neal of Massachusetts expressed in a joint statement that while House Democrats firmly support Ukraine, the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act might be counterproductive. They warned that the bill could "dramatically expand presidential tariff authorities while failing to mandate sanctions on Russia," potentially increasing prices for Americans and undermining support for Ukraine.
Neal emphasized the need for a bipartisan bill that holds Russia accountable without risking higher costs for Americans. Democrats advocate for a bipartisan, bicameral negotiation over the legislation, which was negotiated and overwhelmingly approved in the Senate. They also contend that Trump already possesses broad authority to sanction Russian entities financing the war.
Despite the opposition from House Democrats, Republicans are striving to advance the bill through the regular legislative process. This means Johnson will require robust support from his party to overcome procedural challenges before the House can vote on the bill's final passage.
Supporters of the legislation argue that the tariff authority is what gives the measure its potential force. Ukrainian sanctions official Vladyslav Vlasiuk mentioned to RFE/RL that tariffs could amplify the impact of sanctions. "Tariffs are a powerful way to amplify the impact of sanctions," Vlasiuk noted, emphasizing the need for swift passage of the act and other decisive measures to increase pressure on the aggressor.
Ukrainian diplomatic representatives in Washington have also urged lawmakers not to let disagreements over the bill's specifics hinder its passage. At a recent briefing hosted by the Bipartisan Congressional Ukraine Caucus, Ukraine's charg© d'affaires in Washington, Denys Sienik, acknowledged the necessity of compromise for major decisions but argued that the legislation would provide Washington with another tool to pressure Moscow. "What message will it send to Ukrainians, and what message will it send to Russia if this does not pass?" Sienik questioned.
He highlighted that Russia continues to generate considerable revenue from oil and gas while producing weapons and recruiting soldiers for the war. Sienik urged lawmakers to "finish what" Graham, a long-serving Republican senator from South Carolina who passed away in July, started.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy echoed this sentiment, stating in a post on X on September 11, "Sanctions need to be imposed now. Sanctions must be strong. This is a tool the United States has to deprive Russia of its ability to finance the war against Ukraine every day." He added that "during a war, it is sometimes better to make a not-so-perfect decision than to do nothing." Zelenskyy called on Congress to pass the Graham bill and urged Trump to take stronger executive action.