The United States House of Representatives has passed a bipartisan sanctions bill targeting Russia due to its ongoing war in Ukraine. The legislation, which marks the first time in over two years that Congress has passed measures to assist Ukraine, was approved on Wednesday with a final vote of 262 to 159, having previously passed in the Senate.
The bill grants the president new authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on countries, including China and India, that import energy supplies from Russia, thereby allowing the US to further restrict funds sent to Moscow. It also includes sanctions on Russian officials, banks, and a fleet of tankers that facilitate Russian energy exports.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy advocated for the bill's passage and appealed directly to senators prior to its approval. Notably, fifty-eight Democrats joined a majority of Republicans in supporting the legislation, despite opposition from House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who raised concerns over the potential for the bill to exploit US allies.
Jeffries stated on the House floor that the bill's language does not necessitate the president to impose sanctions on Russia and pointed out perceived loopholes that could hinder the effectiveness of the sanctions.
The bill is named after the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who played a key role in negotiating support for the legislation before his death in July. House Speaker Mike Johnson praised the bill, asserting that it would apply maximum pressure on the Russian government and its president, Vladimir Putin.
Johnson emphasized that the bill sends a strong message of American unity and equips the administration with necessary tools to address the conflict. Following the vote, bipartisan celebrations took place among lawmakers. Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, who co-authored the bill with Graham, expressed hope that the sanctions would compel Putin to negotiate and bring an end to the war.
Former President Donald Trump is anticipated to sign the bill into law.