US lawmakers have proposed changes to a Russia sanctions bill that could expose India and other major buyers of Russian oil to tariffs of up to 100 per cent. The amendments have intensified debate in the House of Representatives over Washington’s authority to impose secondary tariffs, possible exemptions and additional financial support for Ukraine.
The Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act was approved by the US Senate by an 86-11 vote on August 7 and is now under consideration in the House. The legislation targets Russia’s leadership and energy sector, as well as vessels described by Washington as part of a “shadow fleet” used to circumvent oil sanctions.
The bill would give President Donald Trump authority to impose 100 per cent tariffs on major Russian oil trading partners. While the Senate version refers to the five largest importers of Russian oil and gas by volume without naming them, a House amendment proposed by Congressman Steny Hoyer specifically lists India, China, Turkiye, Azerbaijan, Hungary, Slovakia, the UAE, Singapore, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyz Republic as countries that could face the duties.
Another amendment, introduced by Congressman Gregory Meeks, seeks to remove the section granting the president broad tariff powers over Russia’s trading partners. The proposal has three co-sponsors.
Meeks has also proposed allowing the president to temporarily waive sanctions against a foreign person when considered vital to US national security, with 90-day renewals. A separate amendment would authorise $15 billion in direct loans to Ukraine for defence-related purchases.
The House Rules Committee published the amendments on Monday. The bill still needs House approval before it can be sent to the president, leaving the proposed measures subject to further debate and changes.
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