Washington – The House Rules Committee is set to vote on a bipartisan sanctions package that would empower President Trump to levy steep tariffs on Russia and on countries that purchase Russian energy. The legislation, named after the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, aims to intensify economic pressure on Moscow while also targeting Iran.
Tariff authority at the center of the debate
The bill would authorize the president to raise tariffs up to 500% on Russian goods and up to 100% on imports from nations that buy Russian energy. In addition, it directs the president to impose significant sanctions on Russian officials and entities responsible for the war in Ukraine.
Democratic leaders expressed concern that the expanded tariff powers could exceed constitutional limits. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D‑N.Y.), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, said the measure would “do more harm than good” because it dramatically expands presidential tariff authority without mandating sanctions on Russia. Rep. Richard Neal (D‑Mass.) and Rep. Don Beyer (D‑Va.) echoed the sentiment, calling the proposal unacceptable.
Democratic opposition and intra‑party split
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D‑N.Y.) reiterated the party’s commitment to Ukraine while warning that the bill grants authority the Supreme Court has recently clarified belongs to Congress under the Constitution. “We will continue to stand by the Ukrainian people and find a path forward to get a sanctions bill done while addressing the very real concerns that Democrats have raised,” Jeffries said.
Nevertheless, several Senate Democrats, including Sen. Ron Wyden (D‑Ore.) and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D‑Mass.), have signaled support for the limited tariff authority in exchange for robust sanctions against Russia.
Administration’s view on the need for stronger tools
President Trump’s team argues that the ability to impose high tariffs is a critical tool to cripple Russia’s war machine and to deter other nations from supporting its aggression. The administration contends that without such authority, Congress alone may lack the flexibility to respond swiftly to evolving threats.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer assured Senator Raphael Warnock (D‑Ga.) that any tariffs would be limited to the top five energy‑trading partners of the Kremlin, aiming to focus pressure on those directly benefiting from Russian energy sales.
Legislative timeline
The package advanced through the House Rules Committee on Monday night, setting up a procedural “rule vote” on Tuesday afternoon. If that succeeds, the full House is scheduled to consider the bill on Wednesday.
With an increasingly vocal isolationist wing within the House GOP, the administration may rely on a handful of Democratic votes to secure passage. The bill has been in legislative limbo for nearly two years as lawmakers and the White House negotiated a compromise that balances strong sanctions with the president’s tariff authority.
What’s at stake
Should the measure become law, it would represent the most expansive use of presidential tariff power in modern history, signaling a decisive economic stance against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Supporters argue that such tools are essential to protect American interests and uphold the nation’s commitment to freedom and security abroad.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
