US House advances Russia sanctions bill, paving way for final vote

On September 15, the U.S. House of Representatives advanced a bill imposing stringent sanctions on Russian energy buyers, positioning the measure for a final vote the following day. This bipartisan legislation, initiated by the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, would grant the president the power to impose tariffs up to 100% on the five most significant purchasers of Russian oil and natural gas, along with five nations aiding Moscow in circumventing energy sanctions.

While the Senate had approved the bill in August, it encounters greater opposition in the House, where Democrats express reservations about the extensive tariff authority granted to President Donald Trump. The sanctions bill secured its final procedural vote on September 15 with a narrow 214-211 vote. Two Democrats, Jared Golden and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, defied party directives and voted in favor of the bill.

The following day, additional debate and the final vote to approve the legislation were scheduled for September 16.