The U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation that grants former President Donald Trump expanded authority to impose tariffs aimed at pressuring Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. The bill, which passed the House by a vote of 262 to 159 on Wednesday and previously cleared the Senate, now awaits Mr. Trump’s signature. It received bipartisan backing, though some Democrats expressed reservations about the broad tariff powers vested in the former president.
The legislation, originally championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, allows for tariffs of up to 100% on the five largest importers of Russian oil and gas, which currently include China and India. This measure seeks to cut into Russia’s revenue stream that fuels its military operations in Ukraine. Additionally, the bill extends sanctions on Iran until 2031 and targets Russian oligarchs, banks, and the so-called “shadow fleet” involved in illicit oil exports.
Supporters argue the timing is critical, especially with winter approaching, as increased economic pressure could force Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate. Texas Republican Michael McCaul, the bill’s House sponsor, emphasized the importance of leveraging tariffs not only to strike Russia’s economy but also to pressure China, which accounts for more than half of Russia’s fossil fuel revenue according to Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire.
Opponents, including House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Gregory Meeks, criticized the bill for granting sweeping tariff powers that could be misused, noting former President Trump’s previous unilateral tariff actions. Meeks expressed skepticism that the legislation would achieve its intended impact, pointing out that the President already possessed authority to impose similar sanctions but had not acted on them.
The bill includes provisions to exempt countries whose imports of Russian energy constitute less than 15% of Moscow’s exports and who have taken meaningful steps to reduce their dependence, aiming to avoid penalizing European allies. However, a waiver process remains, allowing the President flexibility in applying tariffs.
Experts have highlighted both strategic opportunities and risks associated with the expanded tariff authority. Thomas Wright, a foreign policy expert at the Brookings Institution, warned that such powers could have broad effects beyond energy markets, potentially affecting military and commercial systems reliant on global supply chains.
As Russia continues its military campaign in Ukraine, including sustained attacks on civilian infrastructure through missile strikes and drone assaults, the international community remains divided on how best to increase pressure on Moscow. The Department of Justice recently charged individuals linked to Russian intelligence with global attacks, underlining the wider security implications.
The decision now rests with President Trump, whose approach to China and Russia remains central to the bill’s potential impact. While some lawmakers see the tariffs as a crucial tool to compel Russia to halt its aggression, others question whether the administration will deploy them effectively amid broader diplomatic considerations, including an upcoming summit with China’s President Xi Jinping.