The U.S. House of Representatives voted to advance a Bill that would authorise President Donald Trump to impose 100% tariffs on India and other countries for buying oil and gas from Russia and extend existing sanctions on Iran.
The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 cleared a procedural hurdle in the House of Representatives on Tuesday evening (September 15, 2026) after two Democratic lawmakers broke ranks with the party and voted in favour with the Republicans. The resolution to advance the Russia sanctions Bill and a slew of other legislations was approved by a 214-211 vote, shocking the House Democratic leadership.
Procedural Hurdle Cleared
The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 is expected to come up for a final vote in the House on Wednesday (September 16, 2026). The Bill seeks to impose sanctions not only on Russia’s leadership and energy sector, but also on the “shadow fleet” of vessels that enable Moscow to evade sanctions on oil deliveries.
Democratic Opposition
Democratic Congressman Gregory Meeks, the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, opposed the Russia sanctions bill on Monday (September 14, 2026) contending that it would grant President Trump unchecked authority to impose tariffs without any guardrails. Last month, the U.S. Senate passed the Bill with an overwhelming 86-11 majority.
Lobbying Efforts
The vote on the Bill is taking place at a time when pro-Ukraine groups have stepped up efforts to lobby support for their cause. The Ukraine Action Summit, organised by the American Coalition for Ukraine, is underway here to lobby with US lawmakers for continued support of Kyiv. The U.S. believes that Russia’s crude oil trade is funding the war against Ukraine.
Tariffs on India and Others
The Bill also seeks to authorise President Donald Trump to impose 100% tariffs on Russia’s top oil trading partners including China and India. The Bill passed by the U.S. Senate on August 7 does not name Russia’s trading partners, but mentions five largest importers of oil and gas by volume.
Final Vote Ahead
The House breaks into early recess on Thursday (September 17, 2026) and is expected to reconvene on November 9 after the midterm elections. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 has to be passed by the House of Representatives before it is sent to the President for signature.
Original Article: U.S. House advances Russia sanctions Bill that seeks 100% tariffs on India, others; set for final vote — Thehindu