Republicans voice concerns over tariff powers in Russia sanctions bill
While most GOP members support the Lindsey Graham-named Russia sanctions legislation, a group of Republicans has privately urged leadership to remove new tariff authority provisions, fearing they could raise consumer prices ahead of the midterm elections.
The House approved the Russia sanctions bill named for the late Senator Lindsey Graham with a 262-159 vote on Wednesday, sending the measure to the president for signature. The legislation would allow the administration to impose tariffs of up to 100% on imports from countries purchasing Russian oil and gas, including China and India, with the U.S. Trade Representative setting the final rates.
Although the majority of Republican lawmakers backed the bill, about a dozen have privately lobbied Speaker Mike Johnson and his team to strip the new tariff powers, citing concerns that the provisions could increase prices before the upcoming midterm elections. Johnson’s leadership rejected those proposals.
Supporters argue the tariff authority is narrowly tailored and includes safeguards, while critics—both Democrats and some Republicans—warn that it could expand presidential control over trade policy. Democratic Senate co-sponsor Richard Blumenthal expressed optimism about the House’s vote, referencing discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, however, opposed the measure, questioning why Congress would grant the president additional authority that could harm American consumers. Three senior Democratic committee chairs also warned that the bill could raise prices and undermine long-term support for Ukraine.
The Senate passed the bill in a bipartisan vote in August, and it now awaits the president’s signature.