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WASHINGTON -- The US House of Representatives is preparing to take up legislation next week that is intended to impose tougher economic pressure on Russia, setting up what could be a heated fight between Republicans and Democrats over how far Congress should go in expanding President Donald Trump's tariff powers.
The Senate passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act on August 7 by an overwhelming 86-11 vote. The bill targets Russian officials and institutions as well as the “shadow fleet” of vessels that enable Moscow to evade sanctions on oil deliveries, a key source of revenue for the economy and the war against Ukraine.
It gives the US president the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on goods from major purchasers of Russian oil and gas and countries deemed to be involved in sanctions evasion. It would also extend the existing Iran Sanctions Act for five years.
The House Rules Committee is scheduled to meet on September 14 to consider the legislation, according to House leadership. A senior Republican congressional aide told RFE/RL that Republicans believe they have the votes to advance it.
