Congress Passes Russia Sanctions Bill 262-159 as Jeffries Warns of 100% Tariff Loopholes
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Sep 17
Congress Passes Russia Sanctions Bill 262-159 as Jeffries Warns of 100% Tariff Loopholes
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Sep 17
Summary
A 262-159 vote sent the Russia sanctions bill to Donald Trump, despite House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries opposing it over what he called loopholes that could blunt penalties on Moscow.
Jeffries said the measure could instead give Trump “unfettered authority” to impose tariffs on Americans by letting him raise duties up to 100% on top buyers of Russian energy, including China.
The bill mandates new sanctions on Russian political and military officials, supply networks and the “shadow tanker” fleet used to keep crude exports flowing despite existing restrictions.
Democratic staffers backing the bill called it a last chance to tighten pressure before a “long winter” in Ukraine, as Russia’s improved drone strikes and Kyiv’s anti-air missile shortages worsen the battlefield outlook.