US lawmakers dispute bill granting Trump expanded sanctions power on Russia

What happened

The Guardian Ukraine reports that a bill co-authored by the late Senator Lindsey Graham would grant former President Donald Trump authority to impose 100% tariffs on purchasers of Russian oil, including countries like China and India, targeting Russia’s energy and defense sectors amid its war with Ukraine. The bill is set for a vote in the House of Representatives this week amidst intense lobbying.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. While proponents argue that expanded sanctions could hasten the end of the war by crippling Russia’s economy, prominent Democrats oppose the measure, citing concerns over abuse of tariff powers and risks to US allies. Key Democrats, including Gregory Meeks and Don Beyer, argue the bill could increase American consumer costs and undermine enduring support for Ukraine.

The bill’s opponents also highlight Trump’s previous use of tariffs against partners such as Canada and Mexico as a caution. Negotiations are reportedly ongoing to limit secondary sanctions to a defined list of 11 countries, prompting amendments to narrow its reach. Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Minister Vitaly Kim, have endorsed stronger economic pressure on Russia to end the conflict.

Known from the source

• A bill co-authored by Lindsey Graham would grant Donald Trump authority to impose tariffs up to 100% on countries purchasing Russian oil.
• The bill targets Russia’s energy and defense industries and its 'shadow fleet' of tankers involved in oil sanctions evasion.
• The bill passed a House rules committee vote and is scheduled for House floor votes this week.
• Prominent Democrats, including Gregory Meeks and Don Beyer, oppose the bill citing tariff abuse and risks to US allies.
• Democrats are proposing amendments to limit sanctions targets to 11 countries.

What remains unclear

Republican isolationists oppose the bill, making Democratic votes crucial to its passage. Critics accuse some Democrats of blocking the bill for political reasons, stressing the urgency as Ukraine prepares for a severe winter amid ongoing Russian missile attacks and dwindling munitions.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Final vote outcomes and any amendments passed in the House regarding the bill this week. Exact list of countries targeted for secondary sanctions in the amended bill. Verification that Donald Trump has approved or directed Republican allies to support the bill.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: The Guardian Ukraine. Open the source.