Congress has passed a new sanctions bill targeting Russia and the countries that buy its energy. The vote saw Republicans cheering the bill as a blow to President Putin, while some Democrats worried President Trump might use the power more widely than intended. The bill, named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham, now heads to the president’s desk, where his signature is expected tomorrow.
The measure puts sanctions on Putin personally for the first time ever, along with other Russian officials and banks. It also allows up to 100 percent tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil and, in some cases, natural gas — a list that includes China, India, and the European Union. The bill’s supporters say the move will force Russia to negotiate, but critics fear the president could apply the same stick to American allies.
The Bill’s Targets
The sanctions are wide-ranging. They hit Putin directly, something that has never been done before. They also extend to other Russian officials and banks, which means the country’s financial machinery could feel the strain.
The tariff provision is the most striking part. Up to 100 percent tariffs on imports from countries buying Russian oil and gas could hit major economies around the world. China and India are also on the list, meaning two of the world’s largest economies could face the same punitive measures as smaller nations. That is a significant expansion of the usual scope of sanctions, which tend to focus on targeted individuals and companies rather than entire national trade flows.
Who Backed It
Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) spoke in favor of the bill, saying it “will cripple Russia’s war machine and finally bring Putin to the negotiating table.” He added that the sanctions would ensure America’s adversaries “suffer for their coordinated campaign of aggression.”
McCaul’s argument is straightforward: hit Russia where it hurts, and Putin will come to the table. The logic is that economic pressure will force a change in behavior. Whether that works in practice is a question that will play out over months.
The Democratic Split
Not all Democrats agreed. Some voted against the bill because they fear President Trump may use the sanction authority more widely than intended. The concern is that the president could apply these tariffs to allies, not just adversaries.
The worry is a real one. The bill gives the president broad authority to punish countries that import Russian oil and gas. If applied to American allies, it could fracture the coalition that has supported the United States throughout the conflict with Russia.
For Ukraine, the bill is considered a major victory. The country has been fighting Russia for years, and any measure that increases pressure on Moscow is likely to be welcomed.
Other Votes on Capitol Hill
The House also took several other votes on Wednesday night. A separate bill regulating college athlete pay and transfers cleared the Senate and is awaiting passage in the House. A House bill requiring data centers to pay the full cost of their energy passed overwhelmingly but faces an unclear future in the Senate.
The House voted to end the war in Iran for the third time, with seven Republicans joining the vote, including four from competitive House races. Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky who lost his primary, filed articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth; the vote will come after the election.
| Vote | Result | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Lindsey Graham sanctions bill | Passed overwhelmingly | 100 percent tariffs possible on countries buying Russian oil and gas |
| College athlete pay bill | Cleared Senate | Awaits House passage |
| Data center energy bill | Passed overwhelmingly | Unclear future in Senate |
| End the war in Iran | Third vote | Seven Republicans joined, four from competitive races |
| Impeachment articles | Filed by Massie | Vote comes after election |
The Tariff Question
The 100 percent tariff provision is the most consequential part of the bill. It gives the president the ability to impose the full cost of imported goods on countries that buy Russian oil and gas.
Democrats who opposed the bill argued that the president could apply these tariffs to allies, not just adversaries. That would put pressure on the United States’ closest partners, including those in Europe.
What Happens Next
The bill now moves to the president’s desk. His signature is expected tomorrow, which would make the sanctions law. After that, the administration will have to implement the measure.
For Ukraine, the outcome is clear. The bill is a major victory, and it increases pressure on Russia. For the rest of the world, the coming weeks will show how the president chooses to wield this new authority.
Where the paper stands
The paper backs the small business and is against the new sanctions bill, which risks raising costs for American companies trading with targeted countries. The bill’s 100 percent tariff provision is aimed at whole national trade flows, not targeted individuals and companies, and it hands the president broad authority to punish allies as well as adversaries. That is a risk the paper does not accept.
The paper’s position is narrow: regulation usually protects the biggest players and raises the cost of entry for small ones. A tariff provision that could hit China, India, and the European Union is not narrow. It is a blunt instrument aimed at trade itself, and the president’s signature tomorrow makes it law.
The paper would prefer a narrower approach, one aimed directly at the harm without dragging in every nation that trades with Russia. Readers should watch for how the administration implements the measure and whether it applies the stick to allies as well as adversaries.
Source material: “Congress passes new sanctions on Russia and countries using Russian energy,” PBS.
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