Sanctions bill against Russia risks getting stuck in the US House of Representatives

The large-scale bill to strengthen sanctions against Russia and its trading partners, which was supported by an overwhelming majority of the US Senate in early August, risks getting stuck in the House of Representatives. The Republican leadership did not include the document in the list of bills for voting this week, and some Democrats opposed expanding the tariff powers of President Donald Trump.

The bill, promoted by Senator Lindsey Graham, was approved by the Senate on August 7 by 86 votes to 11. The document was intended to become one of the main instruments of additional economic pressure on Moscow and countries that continue to buy Russian energy resources.

However, after the House of Representatives returned from a five-week summer recess, the bill was not among the priorities of the Republican leadership. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Rules Committee, told Politico that the issue of the document was not even discussed at the committee chairs' meeting.

House Speaker Mike Johnson also did not confirm that he would bring the bill to a vote. When asked about its future, he replied only: "We'll see," while placing part of the responsibility for the uncertainty on the Democrats.

Democrats do not want to expand Trump's tariff powers

One of the main obstacles was not the position on sanctions against Russia as such, but the additional powers granted to the US president in the field of tariffs included in the bill.

Democratic leader in the House Hakeem Jeffries expressed "serious concerns" about the document. He said Democrats fear that the Trump administration could abuse the new sanctions and tariff instruments.

The current version is also opposed by leading Democrats on the foreign affairs and tax committees - Gregory Meeks and Richard Neal. Together with several other lawmakers, they stated that the president already has sufficient authority to impose sanctions against companies, individuals, and vessels that help Russia fund the war.

Similar position is held by Brad Schneider, chairman of the centrist New Democrat Coalition. He said he opposes transferring to the executive branch additional powers that traditionally belong to Congress.

There is also no unified position among Republicans

The bill does not have guaranteed support within the Republican Party itself. Some conservative congressmen who previously opposed aid to Ukraine do not show interest in its swift passage.

At the same time, Republicans who advocate a tougher policy toward Russia call on the leadership not to delay the decision. Congressman Don Bacon called the failure to pass the sanctions bill a failure and said the House should finish work on it before the start of the active election campaign.

Theoretically, the leadership could try to pass the document under an expedited procedure, but that would require support of two-thirds of the House. Due to opposition from some Democrats and Republicans, securing enough votes could be difficult.

Time for passing the bill is shrinking

An additional problem is the congressional calendar before the elections. Republicans are discussing the possibility of shortening the September session of the House, especially if lawmakers quickly agree on a temporary government funding measure through December.

In such a case, the window for voting on the sanctions package could narrow significantly. At the same time, some conservative Republicans are threatening to block procedural votes in protest against the leadership's actions on budgetary and other issues.

The bill provides for additional sanctions against Russian officials, financial institutions, and the "shadow fleet," as well as measures against countries buying Russian energy resources. In particular, the US president would be able to apply increased tariffs to the largest importers of Russian oil and gas.

As early as late August, proponents of the document in the Senate urged the House to urgently move to its passage. However, after the congressmen returned to Washington, it became clear that a quick vote is not guaranteed for now.

Based on materials: Politico, Курс України