Story perspectives

Congress Passes Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act Tariffs

By Drooid · Sep 17, 2026, 6:12 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

U.S. Congress sanctions

U.S. Congress passed the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, authorizing up to 100% tariffs on top Russian energy importers.
The bill targets nations continuing to buy Russian crude or gas, specifically China and India.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said Beijing opposes long-arm jurisdiction without UN Security Council authorization.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs said it is monitoring the act, raised concerns, and affirmed energy security for 1.4 billion people.

Summary

House clears tariff

The House cleared a procedural hurdle with a 214-211 vote, allowing final consideration of the tariff bill.
Democrats said the bill’s tariff authority gives President Donald Trump excessive trade power.
The legislation, named for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, has been driven bipartisan since April 2025.
Senate Foreign Relations ranking Democrat Jeanne Shaheen called the measure a bipartisan message to Putin.

History

Historical Context

Following Russia’s 2014 Crimea annexation, the United States and European Union launched coordinated sanctions, adding 15 individuals and 18 entities on 25 July 2014 to curb Russian energy and finance. That precedent underlies the 2025 Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, which now extends tariffs to Chinese and Indian firms purchasing Russian crude, reviving the same pressure-and-risk dynamic.

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U.S. Congress sanctions

U.S. Congress passed the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, authorizing up to 100% tariffs on top Russian energy importers.
The bill targets nations continuing to buy Russian crude or gas, specifically China and India.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said Beijing opposes long-arm jurisdiction without UN Security Council authorization.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs said it is monitoring the act, raised concerns, and affirmed energy security for 1.4 billion people.

1 / 3