US Congress Enacts Major Sanctions Package Targeting Russia’s War Effort

The US House of Representatives has approved a comprehensive sanctions bill aimed at curbing Russia’s continued military campaign in Ukraine, sending the measure to President Donald Trump for signature. The bipartisan vote of 262 to 159 on Wednesday concludes a legislative struggle that has spanned more than a year, marking the first time in over two years that Congress has enacted legislation directly supporting Ukraine.

Championed by the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who died in July, the legislation had already cleared the Senate. It grants the executive branch expanded authority to levy tariffs of up to 100 percent on nations, including China and India, that purchase Russian energy. The bill also targets Russian officials, financial institutions, and the network of tanker vessels used to bypass existing restrictions.

House Speaker Mike Johnson praised the passage, stating that the legislation places “maximum pressure” on the Russian war machine and its leadership. “For too long, Putin has bankrolled this devastating war with money and resources from countries willing to look the other way, and today, that ends,” Johnson said in a social media post. He added that the bill demonstrates American unity and provides the administration with necessary tools to bring the conflict to a close.

The effort drew support from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who had lobbied lawmakers directly ahead of the Senate vote last month. Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, who co-authored the bill with Graham, emphasized the message to Moscow: “To Vladimir Putin – we have your number. And to Ukraine – you are not alone.”

Despite the broad support, the bill faced criticism from within the Democratic caucus. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries opposed the measure, arguing that the newly granted tariff authorities could be weaponized against US allies. Jeffries contended that the legislation contains significant loopholes that might prevent the intended sanctions from ever being implemented.

The bill’s passage required substantial cross-party cooperation, with 58 Democrats joining a majority of Republicans to approve it, bucking their party leadership. Following the vote, members from both parties held a rare bipartisan news conference to celebrate the outcome. Trump is expected to sign the legislation into law shortly.