Congress passes sweeping US sanctions bill targeting Russia

What the report says

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bipartisan sanctions bill targeting Russia over its war in Ukraine, sending the measure to President Donald Trump after it had already cleared the Senate. Al Jazeera reported that the vote on Wednesday was 262 to 159, ending more than a year of delays and obstacles around the legislation.

The bill, long associated with the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, would expand Washington’s leverage against Moscow by authorizing tariffs of up to 100 percent on countries such as China and India if they continue buying Russian energy. It also targets Russian officials, banks and the tankers described as part of Russia’s shadow fleet that helps move energy exports.

According to Al Jazeera, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had urged lawmakers to approve the measure, while House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries opposed it, arguing that its tariff provisions could be used in ways that affect U.S. allies. Supporters in both parties framed the vote as a show of unity behind Ukraine and pressure on President Vladimir Putin.

The publication said the vote marks the first time in more than two years that Congress has passed legislation supporting Ukraine, underscoring the political significance of the bill as the war continues. Trump is expected to sign it into law.