US House of Representatives passes Graham's Russia sanctions bill

The US House of Representatives has passed a bill on sanctions against Russia backed by the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. The bill will now go to US President Donald Trump for his signature.

According to The Hill, under the bill, Trump would have the power to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that buy Russian energy or help Russia evade sanctions.

The bill also provides for sanctions against Russian officials, banks and the shadow fleet as well as extending existing sanctions against Iran.

The bill was supported by 262 members of Congress, while 159 voted against it. The bill now needs to be signed by Trump.

The bill was supported by 203 Republicans, 58 Democrats and one independent member of the House of Representatives. It was opposed by seven Republicans and 152 Democrats.

The Democrats’ position stems from criticism of the powers the bill would grant Trump over tariffs, despite the legislation’s stated aim of supporting Ukraine.

On 7 August, the US Senate voted 86 in favour of the Russia sanctions bill, co-authored by Graham and Blumenthal.

Reports in the media later stated that the bill was facing growing opposition in the House of Representatives and could be blocked at least until the November congressional elections.

Earlier, the Senate revealed details of an updated version of the bill.