The U.S. House of Representatives has voted to move forward with a bill that would let President Donald Trump impose 100% tariffs on countries like India for purchasing oil and gas from Russia. The bill also extends existing sanctions on Iran.
On September 15, 2026, the Lindsey Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act cleared an important hurdle in the House after two Democratic lawmakers joined Republicans to support the measure. The resolution passed by a narrow margin of 214-211, surprising House Democratic leaders. A final vote on the bill is expected the next day.
Some Democrats, like Gregory Meeks, oppose the bill because they believe it gives Trump too much power to impose tariffs without any limits. Meanwhile, the U.S. Senate had already passed the bill with a strong majority of 86-11 in August. The bill targets Russia’s leadership, energy sector, and ships used to avoid oil sanctions.
The vote comes as pro-Ukraine groups increase their efforts to gain support for Ukraine. A lobbying event called the Ukraine Action Summit is taking place to urge U.S. lawmakers to continue backing Kyiv.
The U.S. views Russian oil trade as funding Russia’s war against Ukraine. The bill aims to authorize Trump to impose 100% tariffs on Russia’s top oil customers, including China and India. While the bill doesn’t name these countries, it focuses on the five largest importers of Russian oil and gas by volume.
The House must pass the bill before its early October recess. After that, lawmakers will return in November following the midterm elections.