The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Russia Sanctions Bill, a major measure aimed at increasing pressure on Russia over its war in Ukraine. The legislation now moves to President Donald Trump, who is expected to decide whether to sign it into law.
The bill passed the House in a 262-159 vote on Wednesday. Lawmakers from both parties supported the measure, though sharp disagreements remained over some of its key provisions.
The Russia Sanctions Bill is named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. He spent more than a year working to build support for the proposal. Supporters say the bill is one of the strongest actions taken by Congress to support Ukraine since Trump returned to the White House.
The legislation targets Russian officials, financial institutions, and a network of oil tankers used to move Russian energy products around the world. Lawmakers backing the measure argue that reducing Russia’s income from energy exports could limit the resources available for its military campaign in Ukraine.
A major part of the bill focuses on trade. It directs the president to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on the five largest importers of Russian oil or natural gas. However, the legislation includes an exception for countries that buy less than 15 percent of Russia’s natural gas exports and have taken meaningful steps to cut their dependence on Russian energy.
Supporters say these provisions are designed to pressure countries that continue to buy large amounts of Russian energy. They believe such purchases help provide Moscow with funds that support the war effort.
Representative Michael McCaul of Texas said countries must decide whether they want to continue helping sustain Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Backers of the bill argue that stronger economic pressure could encourage changes in behavior and increase support for international efforts aimed at ending the conflict.
Despite broad support for Ukraine in Congress, Democrats were divided on the legislation. Some lawmakers supported the bill because they believe it sends a clear signal of continued backing for Ukraine. Others expressed concern that the tariff measures could create new economic tensions with U.S. allies.
Representative Steny Hoyer of Maryland urged lawmakers to support the bill. He argued that Congress should clearly state its position on the war and show support for Ukraine during a critical period.
However, Representative Don Beyer of Virginia opposed the measure. He warned that future use of the tariff powers could affect allied nations and lead to unintended consequences. Beyer also raised concerns about how future administrations might apply the law.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries also voted against the bill. He said Democrats remain committed to supporting Ukraine but argued that the legislation does not provide a clear path toward achieving long-term goals in the conflict.
The final vote showed divisions within both parties, although support remained stronger among Republicans. A total of 203 Republicans voted in favor of the measure, while seven voted against it. Among Democrats, 58 supported the bill and 152 opposed it.
House Speaker Mike Johnson welcomed the result and said the legislation would help reduce the financial resources available to Russia. He also highlighted the new tariff authority included in the package.
Efforts to maintain support for Ukraine have faced challenges in Congress over the past two years. Debate has continued over the amount of U.S. funding and military assistance that should be provided. During his presidential campaign, Trump frequently criticized large aid packages and said he wanted to bring the conflict to an end.
According to lawmakers involved in negotiations, gaining Trump’s support for the Russia Sanctions Bill took many months. Support eventually increased after the proposal included a five-year extension of existing sanctions on Iran, a policy favored by the president.
Representative French Hill of Arkansas acknowledged concerns about tariffs but said the bill sends a strong message to Moscow. He called on Russia to end the war and focus on rebuilding its economy and international standing.
The Senate approved the Russia Sanctions Bill last month by a wide 86-11 margin. After clearing both chambers of Congress, the measure now awaits action from President Trump, marking a significant moment in the ongoing debate over U.S. policy toward Russia and Ukraine.
