Congress debates bill granting the president expanded tariff powers over Russia and its trading partners
Select a version of the text written from a presumed ideological perspective. This is not the original text, but a hypothetical version — how someone with that viewpoint might have phrased it. Tapping the current version again will return to the original or select cleaned version.
A House bill that would allow the president to impose 100% tariffs on countries buying Russian oil faces opposition from Democrats who argue it could raise prices and be misused, while supporters say it would pressure Russia amid its war in Ukraine.
Congress is set to vote on the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026, legislation that would give the president authority to impose 100% tariffs on imports of Russian oil and related products, including from countries such as China and India. The measure, co-authored by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, aims to target Russia’s energy and defense sectors and its so-called “shadow fleet” of tankers.
Democratic leaders on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, the Joint Economic Committee and the Ways and Means Committee have voiced strong opposition, saying the bill would "dramatically expand presidential tariff authorities while failing to mandate sanctions on Russia, both of which are unacceptable." They argue the proposal could raise consumer prices in the United States and undermine long-term support for Ukraine.
"This bill would do more harm than good," the Democratic statement read.
Republican support appears limited to a small group of allies, making Democratic backing crucial for passage. Negotiations are under way to narrow the list of countries subject to secondary sanctions, with an amendment identifying ten specific nations.
Ukrainian officials have welcomed the effort. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged Congress to turn the bill into law, describing it as a necessary step to increase economic pressure on Russia. Veteran affairs minister Vitaly Kim also emphasized that sanctions are the quickest way to weaken Russia’s ability to fund its war.
The debate comes amid concerns that expanding presidential tariff powers could be used against U.S. allies, as the president previously employed tariffs against Canada and Mexico. Critics within the Democratic caucus have warned that the legislation could become a partisan bargaining chip ahead of upcoming elections.
Advocacy groups supporting Ukraine have praised the bill, calling it the most effective tool to drain Russian war funds, while acknowledging the need for broader consensus among lawmakers.