US House Passes Russia Sanctions Bill 262-159, Authorizing Up to 100% Tariffs

The US House of Representatives passed a Russia sanctions bill on September 16, 2026, by 262 votes to 159. The bill, introduced by the late Senator Graham, had already cleared the Senate and has now been sent to President Donald Trump for signature. Trump said he will sign it soon. The bill passed the House after months of delay.

The bill targets Russia's energy and defense sectors, President Vladimir Putin and other senior officials, and the "shadow fleet" of tankers Russia uses to circumvent Western sanctions. It authorizes Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil and gas, potentially including China and India, with the aim of cutting off revenue that funds Russia's war. The bill also extends sanctions on Iran.

This is the most significant Ukraine-related bill passed by the US Congress since Trump returned to the White House and Republicans took control of both chambers of Congress in January 2025. However, the provision granting the president broad tariff powers has caused divisions within the Democratic Party. Although the vast majority of Democrats support Ukraine, they oppose giving Trump greater authority over trade controls.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded on September 17, 2026, saying that China conducts normal economic and trade cooperation with countries around the world, which is not subject to interference or coercion by third parties. China has always carried out normal economic and trade cooperation with countries on the basis of equality and mutual benefit, and such cooperation neither targets third parties nor is subject to interference or coercion by third parties.