Congress passes sweeping US sanctions bill targeting Russia

The U.S. House of Representatives approved a bipartisan sanctions bill targeting Russia over its ongoing war in Ukraine and sent the measure to President Trump following a 262-159 vote. The legislation had previously cleared the Senate and was advanced in part through efforts by the late Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham and Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal.

Key elements of the bill expand U.S. authority to choke off revenue streams to Moscow. It would enable the president to levy tariffs as high as 100% on countries that buy Russian energy — measures specifically noted as potentially affecting major importers such as China and India — and would impose sanctions on Russian officials, banks and a so-called shadow fleet of tankers that helps move Russian energy.

The vote reflected a rare break with party lines: 58 Democrats joined a majority of Republicans to pass the measure in the Senate, and the House action drew both Republican and Democratic support despite opposition from House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Jeffries criticized the bill for granting the White House expansive tariff authorities and said its drafting contains loopholes that could prevent sanctions relief measures from taking effect.

House Speaker Mike Johnson praised the passage as placing ‘‘maximum pressure’’ on Russia and its leader, while Sen. Blumenthal, who helped write the bill, said the sanctions aim to push President Vladimir Putin toward negotiations. Lawmakers from both parties held a joint news conference after the vote to mark the bipartisan achievement. President Trump is expected to sign the bill into law.