Lawmakers are set to vote this week on legislation that would expand the president’s authority to impose tariffs on Russia and its trading partners, a measure aimed at increasing economic pressure on Moscow amid its war with Ukraine.
The bill, named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham who died earlier this year, would target Russia’s energy and defense sectors, including the country’s shadow fleet of oil tankers circumventing existing sanctions. The measure would authorize 100% tariffs on major purchasers of Russian oil, including China and India. The House Rules Committee approved the bill on Monday, with a floor vote scheduled for Wednesday following a rule vote on Tuesday.
Opposition to the legislation has emerged from multiple quarters. Several senior Democrats, including Representatives Gregory Meeks, Don Beyer, and Richard Neal, have argued the bill would harm working families while insufficiently constraining presidential tariff power. Critics contend that expanding the president’s tariff authority could be weaponized against U.S. allies, pointing to recent tariff actions against Canada and Mexico as cautionary examples. Some Republican lawmakers from the isolationist wing have also indicated they will not support the measure.
Proponents of the bill counter that it represents a critical opportunity to assist Ukraine during a strategic period. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly urged Congress to pass the legislation, characterizing economic pressure on Russia as essential to ending the conflict. Advocates have stressed that Democratic votes are necessary for passage, given insufficient Republican support, creating internal party tensions. Some Democrats have been vocal in their frustration with colleagues blocking what they view as necessary Ukraine assistance.
Negotiations are reportedly underway to modify the legislation, with proposals to limit the number of countries subject to secondary sanctions. Representative Steny Hoyer introduced an amendment identifying 10 specific countries eligible for sanctions.
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