US House clears way for final vote on long-stalled Russia sanctions bill
The US House of Representatives has cleared a major procedural hurdle for a long-stalled Russia sanctions bill, setting up debate and a final vote on legislation that would give President Donald Trump new tariff powers targeting countries that buy Russian energy.
The House approved the rule governing consideration of the bill in a 214–211 vote on Sept. 15, according to The Hill.
The measure appeared headed for defeat until two Democrats, Reps. Jared Golden of Maine and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington, joined Republicans in voting to advance it. Such procedural votes typically fall along party lines.
The legislation, originally championed by the late Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham and Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal, has spent more than a year stalled in Congress amid disagreements over its scope and concerns about the potential impact of tariffs on US fuel prices.
The latest version would give the president authority to impose tariffs on countries purchasing Russian energy. It would also expand sanctions targeting Russian military figures and foreign suppliers, Russia’s shadow fleet of oil tankers, and people involved in the abduction of Ukrainian children, while restricting new US investment in Russia and extending sanctions on Iran.
Some Democrats have opposed the measure despite supporting additional pressure on Russia, arguing that it would significantly expand presidential tariff powers without requiring the president to impose sanctions on Moscow. They have also warned that the tariffs could raise prices for Americans.
The bill’s supporters argue that the measures would increase the economic cost to Russia of continuing its war against Ukraine.
The legislation previously passed the Senate in August. The House procedural vote now clears the way for debate and a final vote on the bill.
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