2 Democrats cross aisle to help tee up final vote on Russia sanctions bill
Two House Democrats crossed the aisle to help advance the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The legislation grants the president authority to levy tariffs of up to 100 percent on significant purchasers of Russian energy and up to 500 percent on Russian imports. The House passed H.R. 5334 to target Moscow's energy profits, drawing praise from Ukrainian community members who greeted Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez at Portland International Airport following her vote.
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- ✓ President Donald J. Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 on September 18, 2026.
- ✓ The Act grants authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on significant purchasers of Russian-origin crude oil or natural gas.
- ✓ The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 5334, directing the President to impose tariffs of up to 500 percent on Russian imports.
- ✓ The bill includes provisions for Presidential waiver authority and a five-year sunset clause.
What changed
Two House Democrats crossed party lines to secure the procedural vote necessary to advance the Russia sanctions package.
Live updates
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Two Democrats Cross Aisle to Advance Russia Sanctions Bill
Two House Democrats crossed the aisle to help advance the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The legislation grants the president authority to levy tariffs of up to 100 percent on significant purchasers of Russian energy and up to 500 percent on Russian imports. The House passed H.R. 5334 to target Moscow's energy profits, drawing praise from Ukrainian community members who greeted Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez at Portland International Airport following her vote.
Why it matters
The newly advanced legislation builds on earlier congressional efforts to target Russian revenues through expanded economic pressure. While proponents argue these tariff and sanction measures can help end the war in Ukraine, critics such as John Bolton warn that penalizing major buyers risks diplomatic friction with strategic partners like India. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri previously met with a U.S. congressional delegation led by Representative Brian Mast to discuss the legislation and bilateral relations.
What is confirmed
- President Donald J. Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 on September 18, 2026.
- The Act grants authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on significant purchasers of Russian-origin crude oil or natural gas.
- The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 5334, directing the President to impose tariffs of up to 500 percent on Russian imports.
- The bill includes provisions for Presidential waiver authority and a five-year sunset clause.
Still unconfirmed
- Expanded economic pressure against Moscow can help end the war in Ukraine.
What to watch next
- Final congressional votes and presidential enactment procedures for H.R. 5334
- Diplomatic responses from India and other significant purchasers of Russian energy regarding potential tariff penalties
- Implementation timelines for presidential waiver authorities and enforcement of the five-year sunset clause
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.sullcrom.com — The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026
- www.mondaq.com — Congress Passes New Russian Sanctions Bill Providing ... - Mondaq
- www.thereflector.com — Ukrainian community welcomes Gluesenkamp Perez after Russia ...
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US House Passes Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act
The US House passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, advancing legislation that grants President Donald Trump authority to levy tariffs of up to 100 percent on nations purchasing Russian oil. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with a bipartisan US Congressional delegation led by Representative Brian Mast to discuss the legislation and the trajectory of India and US relations. While proponents argue expanded economic pressure against Moscow can help end the war in Ukraine, John Bolton warned that granting broader sanctions authority could cause geopolitical friction and urged prioritizing strategic ties with India.
Why it matters
The legislation follows a wide Senate vote and targets Russia's energy revenues, banks, and sanctions-evasion networks. A proposed amendment specifically names India among countries eligible for the 100 percent tariffs due to Russian oil purchases. Critics point to potential fallout with strategic allies as lawmakers navigate competing foreign policy priorities involving China.
What is confirmed
- The US House passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026.
- Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met a bipartisan US Congressional delegation led by Representative Brian Mast to discuss the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act.
Still unconfirmed
- John Bolton warned that expanded sanctions authority to President Trump could lead to geopolitical issues and advised prioritizing strategic relations with India.
What to watch next
- Implementation of the new sanctions and tariff authorities by President Donald Trump.
- Further diplomatic exchanges between US officials and foreign governments regarding Russian oil purchases.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (9)
- www.politico.eu — Russia sanctions - POLITICO
- www.aljazeera.com — Russia election results show Putin’s party winning: What we know
- congress.net — House Lawmakers Move To Advance Russia Sanctions Bill After ...
- govtschemes.org — US Russia Sanctions Bill 2026: 100% Tariff Threat to India ...
- economictimes.indiatimes.com — russia sanctions bill: Latest News & Videos, Photos about ...
- dailypioneer.com — US House passes bill for 100% tariffs on India, China over ...
- english.khabarhub.com — US House set to vote on Russia sanctions bill naming India ...
- www.rferl.org — As Russia Targets Civilians, Pressure Mounts On Trump To Use Sanctions Powers
- www.paulweiss.com — President Signs Bipartisan Russia and Iran Sanctions Bill ...
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Two Democrats join Republicans to advance Russia sanctions bill
A sweeping sanctions bill targeting Russia and Iran is moving toward a final House vote after two Democrats crossed party lines to help tee up the process. The legislation represents a significant test for the US House as it seeks to tighten economic restrictions on these nations. While the bill advances, separate concerns persist regarding broader trade policy, including the potential for the US to impose tariffs on India for its purchase of Russian oil.
Why it matters
The US government uses sanctions to pressure Russia and Iran over geopolitical conflicts and security threats. This specific bill combines targets from both nations into a single legislative package. Success in the House would signal a bipartisan appetite for aggressive economic warfare.
What is confirmed
- A sweeping sanctions bill targeting Russia and Iran is advancing toward a House vote.
Still unconfirmed
- Congress may grant Donald Trump sweeping tariff powers.
What to watch next
- The official date and results of the House vote on the sanctions bill
- Legislative updates on the scope of tariff powers granted to the executive branch
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (5)
- The Hill — Two Democrats cross aisle to help tee up final vote on Russia sanctions bill
- The Atlantic — Congress Might Be About to Hand Trump Sweeping Tariff Powers
- dw.com — India could face up to 100% US tariffs over Russian oil
- Crude Oil Prices Today | OilPrice.com — Sweeping Russia-Iran Sanctions Bill Advances Toward House Vote
- yahoo.com — US House faces test on sweeping Russia sanctions bill
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