Primary News Report:
The U.S. House of Representatives voted to advance a Bill that would authorise President Donald Trump to impose 100% tariffs on India and other countries for buying oil and gas from Russia and extend existing sanctions on Iran.
The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 cleared a procedural hurdle in the House of Representatives on Tuesday evening (September 15, 2026) after two Democratic lawmakers broke ranks with the party and voted in favour with the Republicans.
The resolution to advance the Russia sanctions Bill and a slew of other legislations was approved by a 214-211 vote, shocking the House Democratic leadership. The Bill is expected to come up for a final vote in the House on Wednesday (September 16, 2026).
Democratic Congressman Gregory Meeks, the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, on Monday (September 24, 2026) opposed the Russia sanctions bill contending that it would grant President Trump unchecked authority to impose tariffs without any guardrails.
Last month, the U.S. Senate passed the Bill with an overwhelming 86-11 majority. The Bill seeks to impose sanctions not only on Russia’s leadership and energy sector, but also on the "shadow fleet" of vessels that enable Moscow to evade sanctions on oil deliveries.
The vote on the Bill is taking place at a time when pro-Ukraine groups have stepped up efforts to lobby support for their cause.
Source: thehindu.com • Read Original Reporting
