US Congress passes Russia sanctions bill

The United States House of Representatives has approved a bill imposing stringent sanctions on Russia, a move spearheaded by the late Senator Lindsey Graham. The legislation, which garnered a 262-159 majority, will now be forwarded to President Donald Trump for his approval. This bill marks a significant shift in U.S. policy, as it had not passed major Ukraine-related measures in over two years, since the last emergency aid package in 2024.

Despite opposition primarily from House Democrats, the bill successfully navigated the legislative process. Critics, including Rep. Gregory Meeks and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, expressed concerns about the bill's potential for misuse, particularly the 100% tariff on major buyers of Russian energy. They feared such a provision could be leveraged by Trump for political gain, potentially exacerbating economic hardship for ordinary Americans and undermining global alliances.

In contrast, supporters of the legislation, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, argue that the sanctions will provide the White House with essential tools to economically pressure Russia, thereby curbing its ability to fund its war efforts. Senate Foreign Relations Committee ranking member Jeanne Shaheen urged her Democratic colleagues to support the measure, warning that inaction could signal weakness to Russia and other international adversaries.

Despite the contentious debate, the bill appears set to become law, positioning the U.S. to exert greater economic pressure on Russia.