The House on Wednesday passed a sweeping Russia sanctions bill that grants 
Donald Trump tariff authority against countries buying Russian energy, sending the measure to his desk for signature. Two Democrats had crossed the aisle to help tee up the final vote, The Hill reported.
What does the bill do? It sanctions Russian officials, banks and a shadow fleet of tankers that keeps Russian energy moving, PBS NewsHour reported, and it directs Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on the top five importers of Russian oil or natural gas. Countries that import less than 15% of Russia's natural gas exports and have taken significant steps to reduce those imports are exempt. Lawmakers look to deprive President Vladimir Putin of the financial resources needed to wage the war against Ukraine, and supporters said the tariff provisions are aimed at deterring China and India from purchasing Russian energy.
How did it reach a final vote? The bill is named for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who spent more than a year negotiating it, PBS NewsHour reported. The Senate had passed it 86-11 last month, but momentum slowed in the House as Republican leadership focused on other priorities. It took Graham essentially a full year to bring Trump on board, and Trump gave the bill a nod after it included his push for a five-year extension of existing sanctions on Iran. The bill also passed the House Rules Committee, The Hill reported.
How did lawmakers split? The final tally was 262-159, PBS NewsHour reported, with 58 Democrats breaking with party leader Hakeem Jeffries to vote yes and 152 voting no, while Republicans backed it 203-7. Jeffries said Democrats would keep supporting the Ukrainian people until victory is won, "but this bill does not provide a path to secure that." Critics said they fear Trump will use the legislation to target allies in the European Union and elsewhere, and Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York said, "This president has always said he loves tariffs." Speaker Mike Johnson said, "For too long, Putin has bankrolled this devastating war with money and resources from countries willing to look the other way, and today, that ends."
Figures referenced: Donald Trump. — JudgeMarket.
