House passes Russia sanctions, sending bill named for Lindsey Graham to Trump's desk — SkimNews
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- House passed Russia sanctions legislation 262-159 on Wednesday, sending the package to Trump's desk after the Senate cleared it 86-11 in August
- The bill targets Russian officials, companies, and financial institutions helping fuel the war in Ukraine, with the stated aim of forcing Putin to end the conflict
- The legislation grants the president authority to impose tariffs on top importers of Russian oil and natural gas, including China and India, at rates up to 100%
- Rep. Don Beyer warned the tariff provision creates a loophole allowing Trump to designate nearly any country as a Russian sanctions facilitator 'with no guardrails or oversight, and no expiration'
- The vote split both parties — 58 House Democrats joined most Republicans in support, while 7 Republicans crossed over to block the measure
- The package is named for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, the South Carolina Republican who helped negotiate Trump's backing
Why it matters: The bill hands Trump unilateral tariff authority of up to 100% against any country he deems a Russian sanctions facilitator — a power that passed despite 7 House Republicans defecting and Democrats publicly warning the provision lacks oversight or expiration. Trump's signature would simultaneously tighten economic pressure on Moscow while creating a new tariff lever against China, India, and potentially any nation he designates.
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