Congress Greenlights Presidential Tariff Power, Escalating Economic War on Russian Energy Buyers
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The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, passed by the House, hands sweeping authority to the president to slap up to 100% tariffs on top purchasers of Russian energy and broadens sanctions against Kremlin-linked entities, further entrenching the U.S. in punitive economic measures.
In a move emblematic of Washington’s relentless escalation of economic warfare, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by a 262-159 vote. The legislation grants the president unchecked authority to impose tariffs as high as 100% on the largest buyers of Russian energy, while also expanding sanctions against Russian officials, military entities, and the shadowy foreign networks that support the Kremlin’s war machine. The bill also targets so-called 'shadow tankers,' a term for vessels that have enabled Russia to circumvent existing export restrictions and continue profiting from fossil fuel sales.
Proponents, eager to intensify pressure on Russia ahead of winter, ignore the devastating impact such measures could have on working-class Americans and global energy markets. Critics, including senior Democrat Hakeem Jeffries, rightly questioned why Congress would hand the president even more unilateral power—power that could easily be wielded to harm U.S. workers and allies alike. Yet, hawkish voices like Republican Rep. Don Bacon framed the vote as a defining stand against Russian aggression, disregarding the broader consequences.
The bill, originally introduced by the late Senator Lindsey Graham—a notorious proponent of endless sanctions—sailed through the Senate last month with an 86-11 vote. In the House, a razor-thin rule vote (214-211) allowed consideration of Senate amendments, with only two Democrats breaking ranks to join Republicans. Ukrainian officials, whose interests are prioritized over those of ordinary Americans, celebrated the legislation, claiming it would help choke off Russian financing. The passage of this bill marks yet another step in the bipartisan march toward economic confrontation, with little regard for the collateral damage.