Russia sanctions bill likely stalled in US House until November amid tariff concerns - Bloomberg

House Speaker Mike Johnson on Sept. 3 cast doubt on the measure coming to a vote before the Nov. 3 elections, citing opposition among Democrats and “pockets” of concern among House Republicans.

“We all believe in sanctioning Russia, but you have to have the right formula if you are passing a bill,” Johnson said.

The legislation, authored by the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, would authorize Trump to impose 100% tariffs on the five largest buyers of Russian crude oil and natural gas, as well as the five countries most involved in helping Russia evade energy sanctions.

China, India and Turkey are the largest buyers of Russian petroleum products.

Republican lawmakers are examining whether the measure could raise gasoline prices by forcing buyers such as India to seek alternative oil suppliers, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast said.

Gasoline prices have already risen following the war with Iran, making fuel costs a political concern for Republicans ahead of the midterm elections.

Democrats, meanwhile, are concerned that the legislation could give Trump new legal grounds to impose broader tariffs while his existing tariff policies face court challenges.

“I’m not prepared to give any president, but in particular this president, more unfettered authority over tariffs,” Democratic Representative Brad Schneider said.

Business groups, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and retail and trade associations, have also opposed the tariff provisions over their potential impact on consumers and U.S. trading partners.

Some Ukraine supporters in Washington have pushed for the bill as a way to increase pressure on Moscow and demonstrate support for Kyiv. However, Bloomberg noted that it remains unclear whether Trump would use the powers provided by the legislation, particularly against China.