A bill to sanction trading partners of Russia is facing uncertain prospects in the House of Representatives, despite passing the Senate with a bipartisan 86-11 vote. House Republican leaders omitted the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act from the week’s voting schedule as lawmakers returned Monday from a five-week summer recess.
The legislation was introduced in honor of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and is intended to provide the White House with additional leverage to pressure Russia into ending the war in Ukraine. The measure would grant the president new authority to use tariffs against nations that conduct trade with Russia.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) acknowledged an "uphill battle" for the bill Monday, citing opposition from Democrats. While Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) called the bill's passage important, other conservatives like Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) noted they have not reviewed the legislation and generally oppose sanctioning sovereign countries.
For the American public, the impact involves the potential for shifts in the cost of imported goods. Rep. Katherine Clark (D-MA) stated that there is concern about giving the administration authority that could "drive up costs with tariffs for working Americans." The bill's backers argue the trade-off is necessary to strengthen the U.S. position against the Russian military effort in Ukraine.
The bill's path forward is complicated by a shortened legislative calendar and internal House disagreements. Some House members have threatened to vote down procedural measures, which could end the pre-election session early. Furthermore, Democratic leaders, including Reps. Greg Meeks (D-NY) and Richard Neal (D-MA), issued a joint statement arguing that the President already possesses "ample authority" to sanction those propping up the Russian war machine. If the House does not take up the bill before the scheduled pre-election recess, the legislation may languish. The House is currently scheduled to remain in session for four weeks in September, though that timeline remains subject to change pending votes on government funding.