On July 26, the House passed a Russia sanctions bill 262‑159, giving President Trump the power to levy tariffs up to 100% on foreign buyers of Russian oil and gas. The package, a year‑long effort spearheaded by Senator Lindsey Graham, targets Russia’s energy and defense sectors, President Vladimir Putin, and the shadow fleet of tankers that dodge Western sanctions.
The new tariff provision could see China and India face steep import duties, sparking a split in the Democratic caucus. Gregory Meeks warned the bill was "deeply flawed" because it would impose new taxes on U.S. consumers while sidestepping real sanctions on Russian enablers.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky applauded the vote, citing the ongoing loss of 30,000 soldiers per month and the recent drone strike that killed five civilians in the south. Activists in Washington celebrated, arguing that tougher economic pressure is essential to force Moscow toward negotiations.
The Senate had already approved the measure 86‑11 last month, and Trump, who has preferred to retain control over sanctions, is expected to sign the bill once the House adjourns for midterm campaigning. The Senate’s swift passage was possible after the sudden death of the bill’s sponsor, Graham, in July.
Once signed, enforcement will target companies and foreign actors aiding Russia’s military and extend sanctions to Iran. According to Svitlana Romanko of the Ukrainian lobby group Razom We Stand, every day of delay costs Ukrainians lives, underscoring the urgency of the legislation.