Graham’s ‘Sanctions Bill From Hell’ Against Russia Hits House Roadblock
Graham’s “sanctions bill from hell” passed the Senate 86-11 but is now facing a major roadblock in the House. The bill would let Trump impose tariffs of up to 500% on countries buying Russian energy, but both Democrats and some Republicans are pushing back.
A previously approved Russia sanctions bill is facing obstacles in the US House of Representatives. The legislation, spearheaded by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, was intended to provide President Trump with greater leverage to coerce Russia to cease its conflict with Ukraine. Known as S.5025 - Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026, the bill would permit the president to impose tariffs of up to 100% on imports from nations purchasing Russian energy.
However, its path through the House is uncertain. Democrats have expressed opposition to the bill, citing concerns about giving Trump additional tariff authority that could be abused. Some Republicans have also shown little interest, with House Republican leaders not scheduling a vote on the bill this week. The bill, which passed the Senate with a bipartisan majority, aims to expand US sanctions against Russian entities and individuals supporting the war against Ukraine.
Its supporters argue that the threat of severe tariffs could prompt countries like China and India to reduce their purchases of Russian energy, diminishing Moscow's revenue. However, Democrats maintain that Trump already holds sufficient sanctions authority and that Congress should not be required to greenlight new tariff powers for the president.
The bill's fate now rests on whether House members will grant it a vote, with the outcome potentially impacting Graham's efforts to pressure Russia amid its ongoing war with Ukraine.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
