US House to Vote on Russia Sanctions Bill Targeting India — SkimNews
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- The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 has already passed the Senate and awaits a House vote before going to President Trump, who plans to sign it into law
- The bill targets Russia's energy and defense industries along with its so-called "shadow fleet" of tankers accused of helping Moscow evade sanctions, and also provides for additional sanctions on Iran
- India could face 100% US tariffs under the bill because of its continued reliance on Russian oil and gas, alongside China and other countries still buying Russian energy
- Republican Representative Michael McCaul, a lead sponsor, argued that "Putin believes he can keep financing this war indefinitely" and the bill would "change that calculation" and "ensure there are consequences"
- House Democrats are opposing the bill, arguing it would give Trump excessive new tariff powers — including against US allies — while noting he already has authority to sanction Russia but has chosen not to use it
- Republicans remain divided, with some calling sanctions government interference that conflicts with the non-interventionist "America First" doctrine, while others fear tariff-driven consumer price hikes ahead of November's midterm elections
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged passage, saying "it is important that it becomes law" and that "strength works," thanking global supporters
Why it matters: The bill hands Trump new authority to impose 100% tariffs on India and other Russian energy buyers — a tool Democrats fear he could wield against US allies, even as they note he hasn't used his existing Russia sanction authority. Republicans, meanwhile, are split between isolationist skepticism and fears that new tariffs could push consumer prices higher before the November midterms.
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