France, Slovakia delay EU’s Russia sanctions renewal

The House of Representatives is set to consider a stringent Russian sanctions bill in the coming week, although the likelihood of its passage remains unclear despite receiving strong backing in the Senate. An annual fee of $205.00 plus GST applies for a one-year subscription to this sanctions package, which would automatically renew at $233.00 plus GST every 52 weeks.

The bill, named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham, is scheduled for a rules committee meeting on Monday, with a subsequent procedural vote potentially deciding its future. Concerns have been raised by prominent Democratic lawmakers regarding the bill's expansion of President Donald Trump's tariff authority, which could potentially target U.S. allies.

The Senate approved the bill on a vote of 86-11, approximately a month following the senator's passing. The primary objective of the legislation is to intensify pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to facilitate an end to Russia's conflict with Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy implored the House to approve the bill via a social media post, emphasizing the urgency and significance of strong sanctions.

Three Democrats who oversee key congressional committees have jointly expressed their unwavering backing of Ukraine but cautioned that the bill might cause more harm than good, advocating for negotiations to create a version that garners strong support from both chambers. The House's vote on the measure is anticipated to be the final opportunity before the midterm elections, as lawmakers are expected to return to their respective states in September and October to campaign for re-election.

The bipartisan legislation authorizes the president to impose tariffs up to 100% on the world's largest consumers of Russian oil and natural gas, excluding countries importing less than 15% of Russia's natural gas exports that are taking steps to reduce their dependency on Russian energy. The bill also targets Putin, high-ranking Russian officials, financial institutions, and energy projects, potentially expanding U.S. sanctions to encompass older oil tankers used by Russia to bypass existing sanctions on Russian oil and energy revenue.

Furthermore, the legislation permits the White House to waive sanctions or restrictions if the president certifies to Congress that it serves the national interest. The bill includes an extension of sanctions on Iran, following Trump's request to the Senate to add Iran to the legislation.