The House passed a bill on Sept. 16 giving Trump tariff power against major buyers of Russian oil and gas.
Why it matters: The measure could raise pressure on China and India, Russia's biggest remaining energy buyers, by tying tariffs to their purchases. It also expands the policy tools Congress is willing to hand the president on Russia.
- The House passed the Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 on Sept. 16 and sent it to Trump.
- The bill would let the president impose tariffs of up to 100% on top buyers of Russian oil or natural gas.
- It also targets Russian officials, banks and the shadow fleet that moves Russian energy.
- The Senate passed the measure in August after bipartisan talks led by Lindsey Graham, Jeanne Shaheen, Richard Blumenthal, Roger Wicker, Jim Risch and Katie Britt.
The House passed the Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 on Sept. 16, sending the measure to President Donald Trump. The vote advances a sanctions package aimed at Moscow's war in Ukraine and gives the president authority to impose tariffs on major buyers of Russian energy.
Under the bill, Trump could levy tariffs of up to 100% on countries that are the top buyers of Russian oil or natural gas. The measure also adds sanctions on Russian officials, banks and the shadow fleet used to move Russian energy. CBS News reported that supporters argued the tariff threat is intended to deter countries such as China and India from helping finance Russia's war effort.
The Senate approved the legislation in August after bipartisan negotiations led by senators including Lindsey Graham, Jeanne Shaheen, Richard Blumenthal, Roger Wicker, Jim Risch and Katie Britt. In a statement on the Senate passage, Shaheen said the bill would target Russia's leadership, financial institutions, energy sector and shadow fleet. Read the Senate statement.
The Energy Information Administration has said Asia received the overwhelming share of Russia's crude oil and condensate exports in 2024, with China and India accounting for most of that demand. EIA data show why those countries are central to the bill's tariff threat.
By the numbers
- 100% - maximum tariff rate the bill would allow on top buyers of Russian oil or natural gas.
- 2024 - the year EIA says Asia took the overwhelming share of Russia's crude oil and condensate exports.
- 2 - China and India accounted for most of that demand, according to EIA.
What's next: The bill now goes to Trump for his decision.