Democrats begrudgingly hand Trump victory on tariffs in sprawling sanctions bill
Several Democrats joined Republicans to pass the Russia sanctions bill, but critics warn Trump could use broad tariff authority against allies.
TL;DR
- The House passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 with a vote of 262-159.
- Fifty-three Democrats voted with 203 Republicans to pass the bill.
- Key Democrats opposed a provision granting President Trump tariff authority, citing concerns about potential misuse.
- The bill aims to sanction Russian officials, oligarchs, banks, and financial institutions, as well as countries providing financial support for Russia's war in Ukraine.
- It allows for up to 500% tariffs on Russian imports and up to 100% tariffs on the top five countries buying Russian energy.
- The legislation also reinserted sanctions targeting Iran's weapons and energy sectors.
- Two Democrats, Reps. Jared Golden and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, voted to advance the bill, defying party leadership.