The US House of Representatives has passed a bill that would allow President Donald Trump to impose sanctions on Russia and steep tariffs on countries, including India and China, that continue to buy Russian oil and gas.
The Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 was approved by the House in a 262-159 vote on Wednesday. The legislation, which was passed by the Senate last month, will now be sent to Trump for his signature.
A total of 203 Republicans, 58 Democrats and one Independent voted in favour of the bill. Seven Republicans and 152 Democrats opposed it.
Bill Seeks to Target Russia’s Oil Revenue
The legislation aims to restrict Russia’s financial resources, which lawmakers say are being used to support its war against Ukraine.
It proposes sanctions against Russia’s leadership and energy sector, as well as vessels operating in the so-called “shadow fleet”. These ships are accused of helping Moscow bypass sanctions and continue exporting oil.
The bill would also authorise Trump to impose additional sanctions on Iran.
India and China Could Face Higher Tariffs
A major provision of the bill would give Trump the authority to impose steep tariffs on China, India and other countries that buy Russian oil and gas.
Democratic opposition in the House was largely focused on the expanded tariff powers that would be granted to Trump.
“What we’re not for is giving more tariff authority to this president,” Congressman Richard Neal said during the debate.
After the bill’s passage, Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal said China and India should look for alternative sources of oil and gas.
“China and India, you better buy your oil and gas somewhere else,” Blumenthal told reporters.
Lawmakers Defend Pressure on Russian Oil Buyers
Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen said Russia was using its shadow fleet to sell oil at below market rates, with China and India among the major buyers.
“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,” Shaheen said.
She added that the legislation was intended to send a message to countries continuing to purchase Russian energy.
“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,” she said.
Senate Passed Bill Last Month
The US Senate passed the legislation by an overwhelming 86-11 vote last month. However, its progress slowed in the House amid disagreements over the tariff provisions.
The bill is named after South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey O Graham, who died in July after spending more than a year building support for the legislation.
Vote Comes Before US Elections
The House vote took place on its final scheduled day of voting before the November 3 elections.
The legislation was passed as pro Ukraine groups increased lobbying efforts in Washington. The Ukraine Action Summit, organised by the American Coalition for Ukraine, is currently underway to encourage lawmakers to maintain US support for Kyiv.
The bill’s passage also comes days before Chinese President Xi Jinping’s scheduled official visit to the United States.
