House Advances 100% Tariff Bill Targeting India Over Russian Oil — SkimNews

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- US House of Representatives voted 214-211 Tuesday evening to advance the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, clearing a procedural hurdle toward a final House vote expected Wednesday.
- Two Democratic lawmakers voted with Republicans on the procedural motion, surprising House Democratic leadership; the bill itself passed the Senate 86-11 on August 7.
- The House version names India specifically as a 100% tariff target, whereas the Senate version passed August 7 refers only to "the five largest importers" of Russian oil and gas by volume, which would include China and India.
- Gregory Meeks, the ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, publicly opposed the bill Monday, arguing it grants President Trump "unchecked authority to impose tariffs without any guardrails."
- The legislation also targets the "shadow fleet" of vessels helping Moscow evade oil sanctions and extends existing sanctions on Iran's leadership and energy sector.
- The House begins its early recess Thursday and is not scheduled to reconvene until November 9, after the midterm elections — meaning final passage must happen Wednesday or wait weeks.
Why it matters: India is named as a direct 100% tariff target in the House version, while the 214-211 procedural vote with two Democratic defectors shows the bill has the votes to advance. With House recess starting Thursday until November 9, the final vote must clear Wednesday or the legislation stalls until after the midterms.
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