WASHINGTON, September 16 — The House of Representatives passed a sweeping package of sanctions targeting Russian officials and key sectors of the Russian economy on Wednesday, approving the measure 262-159 and sending it to President Donald Trump for his signature. The bill is named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who spent more than a year negotiating it, according to the Associated Press.
It represents the most ambitious effort to support Ukraine since Trump returned to the White House, and breaks nearly two years of relative gridlock on the issue following a 2024 emergency aid package.
What the bill does
Lawmakers framed the sanctions as a way to deprive Russian President Vladimir Putin of the financial resources needed to wage war against Ukraine. The measure sanctions Russian officials, banks and a shadow fleet of tankers that keeps Russian energy moving. It also directs Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on the top five importers of Russian oil or natural gas.
An exception applies to countries that import less than 15% of Russia’s natural gas exports and have taken significant steps to reduce those imports. Supporters said the tariff provisions are aimed at deterring China and India from purchasing Russian energy.
“These countries have a choice to make about whether they will continue to sustain Putin’s aggression,” said Representative Michael McCaul, Republican of Texas.
The objections
Critics fear Trump will use the legislation to target allies in the European Union and elsewhere, warning that Americans would pay the price through higher prices at the cash register. “This president has always said he loves tariffs,” said Representative Gregory Meeks, Democrat of New York. “And we know the history of what he’s done with reference to tariffs to our European allies, and our allies everywhere.” Democrats were divided on the bill despite overwhelming support in the caucus for aiding Ukraine.
Representative Steny Hoyer, Democrat of Maryland, told colleagues they cannot control what the president does, but they can stand up and declare where they are on the war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been pushing for the bill’s passage and made a direct appeal to senators shortly before they passed it last month.
The House action follows Senate passage of the measure last month. The bill now heads to Trump, who has called on Ukraine to halt strikes on Russian diesel, saying the attacks are causing a shortage. The vote marks the first major legislative action on Russia policy since the 2024 emergency aid package, and it sets up a decision for Trump on whether to sign the measure into law.
