US Congress Passes Bipartisan Sanctions Bill Targeting Russia Over Ukraine War

The United States House of Representatives has overwhelmingly approved a sweeping bipartisan sanctions bill aimed at Russia in response to its ongoing war in Ukraine. Lawmakers voted 262 to 159 on Wednesday to send the major legislation to US President Donald Trump’s desk, concluding a prolonged period of delays and hurdles following its earlier passage in the US Senate.

Championed by the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, the legislation grants the executive branch the authority to levy tariffs of up to 100 percent on nations such as China and India that purchase Russian energy supplies, thereby tightening financial restrictions on Moscow. Additionally, the measure targets Russian officials, financial institutions, and a shadow fleet of oil tankers utilized to transport Russian energy resources.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had strongly advocated for the bill, delivering a direct appeal to senators prior to its passage in the upper chamber last month. The legislative effort gained momentum as fifty-eight Democrats broke from party leadership to unite with a majority of Republicans. Despite the overall support, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries voiced opposition, pointing to potential tariff authorities that could impact US allies and arguing that loopholes in the text might hinder effective enforcement.

This vote represents the first instance in over two years that the US Congress has advanced major legislation backing Ukraine. House Speaker Mike Johnson praised the outcome for applying maximum pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin and the country's war machine. Following the vote, a bipartisan group of legislators, including Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, celebrated the milestone at a joint news conference, expressing hope that the measures will compel Russia to engage in peace negotiations.