World News
-Oneindia Staff
The US House of Representatives approved a bill that could widen sanctions on Russia. It would also let President Donald Trump raise steep tariffs. Those tariffs could target countries buying Russian oil and gas. India and China were cited as major buyers. The bill now goes to Trump for a decision.
The Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 passed 262-159 on Wednesday evening. Support came from 203 Republicans, 58 Democrats, and one Independent. Opposition included seven Republicans and 152 Democrats. Democrats mainly objected to new tariff powers for Trump. “What we’re not for is giving more tariff authority to this president,” Congressman Richard Neal, a Democrat, said during debate on the bill.
The measure cleared the US Senate last month by 86-11. However, progress later slowed in the House. The final House vote came on the last expected voting day. Lawmakers were set to leave before the Nov. 3 elections. The bill is named for Senator Lindsey Graham. The South Carolina Republican died in July.
It aims to penalise Russia’s leadership and energy sector. It also targets the “shadow fleet” used to move oil. The bill seeks to curb sanctions evasion on oil deliveries. It would also authorise more sanctions on Iran. It further allows tariffs on Russia’s trading partners in oil and gas.
The bill would let Trump impose stiff tariffs on China, India, and others. The goal is to reduce reliance on Russian oil and gas. “China and India, you better buy your oil and gas somewhere else,” Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, told reporters after the passage of the Bill.
Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen linked Russian sales to the shadow fleet. “Russia is getting that oil and gas sold by using the shadow fleet, which means that it’s being bought at less than market rates, and it’s going mostly to countries like China and India,” Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen said. “China is the top user of Russian oil and gas, and we need to send a very strong message, not just to Putin, but to China, and to anybody who is buying Russian oil and gas, that they are going to pay a price for that,” Shaheen said.
Passage also came days before President Xi Jinping’s official US visit. The vote happened amid increased lobbying by pro-Ukraine groups. The Ukraine Action Summit was underway to press US lawmakers. It was organised by the American Coalition for Ukraine. The bill now awaits Trump’s action to become law.
| Chamber | Result | For | Against |
|---|---|---|---|
| US House | Passed | 262 | 159 |
| US Senate | Passed | 86 | 11 |
