The US House of Representatives has passed comprehensive sanctions legislation targeting Russia. Despite reservations from some Democratic leaders, the bill secured a majority vote, passed at 262 to 159. The legislation grants the President the authority to levy tariffs of up to 100 percent on the five largest buyers of Russian oil or gas.
Exceptions are provided for countries that import less than 15 percent of their natural gas from Russia and which commit to taking “significant” measures to reduce such imports. The bill also stipulates measures against the so-called shadow fleet.
In addition to the sanctions targeting Russia’s major energy buyers, the law includes penalties for Russian President Vladimir Putin and other high-ranking Russian officials. This legislation had already garnered broad bipartisan support in the Senate back in August. It was named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who oversaw the negotiations for over a year. The bill is now being sent to President Trump for signing.
Some Democratic leaders within the House expressed concerns regarding the scope of the bill, specifically worrying that it would expand the President’s customs authority. Their argument centered on distrust in Trump’s ability or willingness to manage newly acquired powers.
