House Democrats Consider Tariff Authority Amid Russia Sanctions Bill Vote

<p>House Democrats are preparing to decide whether to grant President Donald Trump additional tariff authority while also addressing a sanctions bill aimed at Russia and Iran. The House Rules Committee has scheduled votes on several bills this week, including the Senate's legislation designed to impose sanctions on Russia.</p><p>This bill is named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham, a supporter of Ukraine who passed away in July at the age of 71. While many Democrats advocate for action to support Ukraine against Russia's invasion, they must also consider the bill's provisions that would enhance Trump's authority to impose significant tariffs on Russia and its allies.</p><p>Democrats have expressed concerns regarding Trump's previous use of tariffs against U.S. allies, which has led to various legal challenges. Earlier this year, senior House Democrats indicated their opposition to the bill, stating that it would expand presidential tariff powers without mandating sanctions on Russia, which they find unacceptable. Representatives Gregory Meeks, Richard Neal, and Don Beyer issued a joint statement expressing their stance.</p><p>House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries reiterated his position during a press conference, emphasizing the need to support Ukraine while addressing concerns about granting Trump authority that he does not currently possess, as determined by the Supreme Court.</p><p>The proposed legislation would allow the president to impose tariffs of up to 500% on Russia and up to 100% on countries purchasing Russian energy. It would also require Trump to impose sanctions on Russian officials responsible for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.</p><p>The bill advanced through the House Rules Committee on Monday night, leading to a procedural vote scheduled for Tuesday afternoon. If approved, the full House will vote on the sanctions bill on Wednesday afternoon, according to a preliminary legislative schedule.</p><p>With a growing isolationist faction within the House GOP, some Democratic support may be necessary for the bill to pass. The sanctions package, championed by Senators Richard Blumenthal and Graham, faced delays for nearly two years as lawmakers sought a compromise acceptable to both Trump and Congress.</p><p>Blumenthal defended the tariff provisions, stating that any unlawful actions by Trump would be subject to judicial restraint, similar to past tariff violations. Despite some dissenting voices within the Democratic caucus, most members supported granting Trump limited tariff authority in exchange for substantial sanctions against Russia.</p><p>This development follows assurances received by Senator Raphael Warnock from U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer that the tariffs included in the sanctions package would be restricted to the top five energy trading partners with Russia.</p>