A bill titled the “Lindsey Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, 2026,” which would impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on India and other countries over their imports of crude oil and gas from Russia, advanced in the House of Representatives on Tuesday with a 214-211 vote. If it becomes law, the bill would give President Donald Trump the power to impose 100 percent tariffs on India and other countries over their purchase of oil and gas from Russia, and to expand existing sanctions on Iran.
The bill had earlier passed the US Senate on August 7 by a vote of 86-11. It includes sanctions on Russia’s leadership and energy sector, alongside measures against the “shadow fleet” used to transport oil while evading sanctions. If it becomes law, the president would be given the power to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on countries that are major importers of Russian oil, including India and China.
Democratic leader Gregory Meeks has alleged that the bill would give the president sweeping tariff-imposing power without adequate oversight or safeguards. Following a final vote in the House, the bill will be sent to the president for signature. The United States has taken the position that Russia’s oil trade is helping to finance the war in Ukraine.