Congress Approves Russia Sanctions Bill, Heads to President Trump

Congress Sends Russia Sanctions Bill to Trump's Desk

After passing 262-159 in the House, the bill aims to pressure Russia to end the war in Ukraine.

U.S. Congress Advances Sanctions Targeting Russia

In a decisive move to exert economic pressure on Russia, the U.S. Congress has passed a sanctions bill targeting key Russian entities, now awaiting President Trump’s approval. The House of Representatives endorsed the legislation with a 262 to 159 vote, showcasing divisions within both political parties.

The sanctions aim to weaken Russia’s economy, hoping to compel President Vladimir Putin to withdraw from Ukraine, following the conflict that began in 2022 and has claimed numerous civilian lives. The measures focus on Russian officials, corporations, and financial bodies that are perceived to be fueling the conflict.

Representative Michael McCaul, R-Texas, emphasized the ethical implications, stating, “This is a moral issue that requires moral courage. I want us to be able to say that we did everything possible to end this war… to cripple the Russian war machine and turn the tide toward peace.”

In addition to sanctions, the bill grants the president the power to impose tariffs on countries importing Russian oil and natural gas, including China and India. This provision has been contentious, particularly among Democrats, who fear it might allow Trump excessive leeway in imposing tariffs on nations he deems facilitators of Russian sanctions evasion.

“This bill has a loophole that would allow him to define basically any country as a facilitator of evading Russian sanctions,” argued Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va. “He could then hit them with tariffs of up to 100%, with no guardrails or oversight, and no expiration.”

Despite these concerns, the legislation received support from 58 House Democrats and a majority of Republicans. Previously, the Senate had passed the bill with a robust bipartisan 86-11 vote in August. However, seven Republicans sided with most Democrats opposing the measure in the House, reflecting a growing divide within the GOP regarding U.S. support for Ukraine.

This legislative effort is named in honor of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican who played a pivotal role in garnering Trump’s backing for the sanctions package.

Mariam Zuhaib/AP