Overview
- The House approved the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act by 262–159, sending the measure to President Trump after the Senate cleared it 86–11 in August.
- The law creates a discretionary tool that lets the president impose duties of up to 100% on the five largest importers or facilitators of Russian oil or gas, subject to U.S. Trade Representative designations and statutory waivers.
- The package also broadens sanctions on Russian officials, banks, energy and defense sectors and targets a ‘shadow fleet’ of tankers that help Russia move oil, while extending certain Iran‑related sanctions.
- Major buyers such as India and China are explicitly at risk under the mechanism, a point raised repeatedly during House debate, and lawmakers warned the authority could strain trade talks and U.S. ties with partners.
- Implementation remains uncertain because tariff use requires presidential action, USTR listings, periodic reviews and exemptions for countries that import under 15% of Russia’s gas exports or that have taken substantial reduction steps, and those choices will shape market and diplomatic fallout.