The House of Representatives approved legislation imposing sanctions on Russia on Wednesday, passing the measure 262 to 159. The bill is now headed to President Trump’s desk for signature or veto.
The sanctions package aims to pressure the Russian economy with the stated goal of compelling President Vladimir Putin to cease military operations in Ukraine. The legislation targets Russian officials, companies, and financial institutions that supporters say are fueling the conflict. Additionally, the bill grants the president authority to impose tariffs on major countries that import Russian oil and natural gas, including China and India.
The measure received backing from members across both parties, with 58 House Democrats joining most Republicans in support. The Senate had previously passed the bill in August with an 86-11 vote. However, the legislation also generated opposition, with seven Republicans and most House Democrats voting against it. Critics argue the tariff provisions create ambiguity that could be exploited. Rep. Don Beyer, D-Virginia, stated the measure contained “a loophole that would allow him to define basically any country as a facilitator of evading Russian sanctions” and warned the president could levy tariffs up to 100 percent with limited oversight. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, countered that passing the sanctions represents a moral imperative to end the conflict in Ukraine.
The bill is named in honor of late Sen. Lindsey Graham, the South Carolina Republican credited with helping negotiate Trump’s support for the package. Ukraine policy has emerged as a point of division within Republican ranks in recent years, a dynamic reflected in the voting split on the measure.
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