WorldPosted at: Sep 16 2026 4:09PM

Washington, Sep 16 (UNI) The US House of Representatives advanced legislation that would give President Donald Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries that purchase Russian oil and gas, potentially exposing major buyers such as India and China to higher duties.
The Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 cleared a key procedural hurdle by a 214-211 vote, with two Democrats joining Republicans in backing the measure. The House is expected to take up the legislation for a final vote on Wednesday.
If approved by the House, the legislation would move to the White House for President Trump’s consideration.
The Bill, which was passed by the Senate by an 86-11 vote on August 7, seeks to impose additional sanctions on Russia’s political leadership, financial institutions, energy sector and the so-called “shadow fleet” of vessels used to evade sanctions. It also extends existing US sanctions on Iran.
The tariff provision would authorise the President to impose duties of up to 100 per cent on imports from major buyers of Russian-origin crude oil and natural gas, as well as from countries facilitating sanctions evasion. The Senate version refers to the top five importers in relevant categories rather than naming individual countries.
India and China are among the major buyers of Russian energy, making them potential targets under the legislation if the tariff authority is invoked. However, passage of the Bill would not itself impose a 100 per cent tariff on India; it would provide the President with the authority to impose such duties under specified conditions.
The measure has faced concerns from some Democrats over the breadth of the tariff powers it would grant the President.
The House action comes ahead of an early congressional recess beginning Thursday, with lawmakers not expected to return until November 9 after the midterm elections. The timing has increased pressure to complete consideration of the legislation before the recess.
The legislation is aimed at increasing economic pressure on Moscow over the war in Ukraine by targeting revenues from Russian energy exports. Penalising major buyers could reduce the flow of revenue to Russia, while opponents have raised concerns over the potential impact of broad tariff powers on US trade relations.
The House’s action follows months of negotiations over the sanctions package, which was originally championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham and later renamed in his honour.
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