The US House of Representatives has voted to advance legislation that would empower President Donald Trump to impose 100 percent tariffs on India and other nations purchasing oil and gas from Russia. The bill also seeks to extend existing sanctions against Iran. This move reflects ongoing tensions regarding foreign energy purchases and aims to strengthen US sanctions policy.
A final vote on Thursday is widely expected to result in the passage of the Russia sanctions bill, persons aware of the matter told HT. The Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 cleared a procedural hurdle in the House of Representatives on Tuesday evening after two Democratic lawmakers broke ranks with the party and voted in favour with the Republicans. Earlier reporting noted: India, others face 100% US tariffs as House advances Russia sanctions bill; final vote tomorrow The US House of Representatives on Wednesday advanced a bill that could allow tariffs of up to 100% to be imposed on India and four other countries over their purchases of Russian energy , setting up a final vote on the controversial legislation on Thursday. Earlier reporting noted: The bill faced opposition from members of both parties, with the vote to advance it passing by a narrow 214-211 margin. Earlier reporting noted: Bill could impose 100% tariffs on India Bill could impose 100% tariffs on India
Democratic Congressman Gregory Meeks, the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, on Monday opposed the Russia sanctions bill contending that it would grant President Trump unchecked authority to impose tariffs without any guardrails. The US believes that Russia’s crude oil trade is funding the war against Ukraine. The bill has to be passed by the House of Representatives before it is sent to the President for signature.
The resolution to advance the Russia sanctions bill and a slew of other legislations was approved by a 214-211 vote, shocking the House Democratic leadership. The Bill also seeks to authorise President Donald Trump to impose 100 per cent tariffs on Russia’s top oil trading partners including China and India. The House breaks into early recess on Thursday and is expected to reconvene on November 9 after the midterm elections.
