The US House of Representatives is preparing to take up legislation next week that is intended to impose tougher economic pressure on Russia, setting up what could be a heated fight between Republicans and Democrats over how far Congress should go in expanding President Donald Trump’s tariff powers.
The Senate passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act on August 7 by an overwhelming 86-11 vote. The bill targets Russian officials and institutions as well as the “shadow fleet” of vessels that enable Moscow to evade sanctions on oil deliveries, a key source of revenue for the economy and the war against Ukraine.
It gives the US president the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on goods from major purchasers of Russian oil and gas and countries deemed to be involved in sanctions evasion. It would also extend the existing Iran Sanctions Act for five years.
The House Rules Committee is scheduled to meet on September 14 to consider the legislation, according to House leadership. A senior Republican congressional aide told RFE/RL that Republicans believe they have the votes to advance it.
“We’re fine. The numbers are there if the bill gets through Rules on Monday,” the aide said.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (Republican-Louisiana) has called for bipartisan support for the legislation. But Democrats are pushing back, arguing that the measure’s tariff provisions give Trump excessive authority while failing to require the administration to impose sanctions on Russia.
“House Democrats are rock solid in our support for Ukraine, but the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act would do more harm than good,” Representatives Gregory Meeks of New York, Don Beyer of Virginia, and Richard Neal of Massachusetts said in a joint statement.
US House Set To Take Up Russia Sanctions Bill Amid Fight Over Trump Tariff Powers
Fonte: RFE RL/Alex Raufoglu
