Trump signs Russia sanctions bill

President Trump signed a sweeping sanctions package Friday targeting Russian officials, banks, and energy shipments meant to pressure Moscow over its four-year war in Ukraine.

Lindsey Graham's final legacy

The bill was a final project for late Senator Lindsey Graham, who had just returned from Ukraine when he died in July. His sister Darline, now filling his Senate seat, said he would be proud of its passage.

“I wish Lindsey were here to celebrate this historic day. I know he would be so proud.”

Massive bipartisan support

The bill passed with overwhelming margins: eighty-six to eleven in the Senate and two hundred sixty-two to one hundred fifty-nine in the House, after more than a year in development.

Tariff threat on energy importers

The law directs Trump to impose up to one hundred percent tariffs on the top five importers of Russian oil or natural gas, with exceptions for countries importing less than fifteen percent of Russia's gas exports that reduce those imports.

Democrats fear tariff overreach

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries opposed the bill, warning Trump could use his expanded tariff powers to impose fresh levies on the European Union and elsewhere, harming American consumers.

“Why in the world would this Congress give this president unfettered authority to visit more tariffs on the world?”

White House negotiated flexibility

Trump initially hesitated but eventually signed after the bill included his push for a five-year extension of existing sanctions on Iran, giving him sufficient flexibility on Russia sanctions.