In a move to combat Russian aggression and pressure the country to return to the negotiation table, bipartisan lawmakers in the U.S. Congress have introduced a new bill that proposes imposing a 500% tariff on countries still purchasing Russian oil, natural gas, and uranium, including major consumers like China and India.
The bill, co-sponsored by Republican Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal, has garnered overwhelming bipartisan support in the Senate. The lawmakers aim to bring the bill to a vote in the Senate before the August recess, with plans to submit it for presidential review.
During a media interview on Thursday, the two senators expressed their belief that this bill would provide President Trump with the necessary tools and leverage. China and India account for approximately 70% of Russia’s energy exports, funding a significant portion of Russia’s war efforts. Disrupting these transactions could force President Putin back to the negotiating table.
Graham stated that the U.S. is no longer implementing scattered sanctions but is directly targeting Putin’s main supporters, a move that has been well received by European allies. Blumenthal emphasized that this bill signifies a significant strategic shift for the U.S., fundamentally altering the rules of the game and conveying to Putin that the U.S. will target his core interests.
Moreover, the lawmakers noted that the bill not only targets Russia but also serves as a deterrent to China’s actions. Graham pointed out that if China suffers significant economic blows due to its support for Russia, it would be a litmus test for the situation in the Taiwan Strait. Blumenthal added that this conflict also shows China that even smaller nations with weaker military capabilities can emerge victorious in war.
Both senators briefed over 30 countries comprising the “coalition of the willing” in Rome about the bill, as these nations are preparing to deploy troops to maintain peace in Ukraine post-ceasefire. This marks the first U.S. attendance at such a meeting. They underscored that the U.S. military would not enter Ukraine but accepted Italy’s invitation to demonstrate Congress’s support for Ukraine.
However, the White House has expressed some concerns about the bill so far. President Trump desires complete authority to lift sanctions and exemptions, while Congress seeks to retain its balancing powers. Therefore, the bill is still undergoing adjustments.
According to the draft bill, the President can temporarily suspend sanctions under specific circumstances, but if violations occur again, the sanctions must be immediately reinstated. Graham mentioned that the President can exempt sanctions for 180 days and extend the exemption period, but the final decision on exemptions must undergo congressional review. Overturning an exemption requires a 60-vote majority in the Senate, making it unlikely unless extraordinary circumstances arise.
Lawmakers stated that the exemption clause in the bill follows a common standard practice.
Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson has publicly supported the bill and is poised to take action in the House.
At the same time, Trump has announced plans to make a significant statement on Russia next Monday amidst the U.S.’s initiatives to purchase arms for NATO allies and provide Ukraine with a new batch of U.S.-made weapons. Trump reiterated his criticisms of Putin and expects Congress to pass the stricter sanctions bill proposed by bipartisan lawmakers.