House Democrat probes Putin-linked oligarch’s role in financing Trump Jr. wedding

The US House of Representatives has advanced legislation that would grant President Donald Trump heightened authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on countries, including India, for purchasing Russian oil and gas. China is also included on the list. This comes as the House prepares for an early recess on Thursday, with a likely return on November 9 following the midterm elections.

The legislation, the Lindsey Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, has cleared a crucial procedural hurdle in the House on Tuesday, with 214 Republicans and two Democrats voting in favor, compared to 211 Democrats voting against. Despite opposition from some senior Democrats, the bill is expected to receive a final House vote on Wednesday, after which it will be sent to Trump for his signature.

The Senate already approved the legislation on August 7 with an overwhelming 86-11 vote. If passed, the bill would impose sanctions on Russia's leadership, energy, and defense sectors, as well as its so-called "shadow fleet" of vessels aiding Moscow in evading existing sanctions on oil shipments. Trump would also be authorized to impose 100 percent tariffs on major purchasers of Russian oil.

The legislation has revealed divisions among Democrats, particularly over Trump's expanded tariff powers. Some Republicans, skeptical of continued US involvement in Ukraine, oppose the bill, complicating its passage. Ukrainian officials and groups backing Kyiv are closely watching the legislation, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urging the US to increase economic pressure on Russia.