Washington, Sep 17 (V7N)- The US House of Representatives has passed a bipartisan bill imposing sweeping sanctions on Russia over its ongoing war in Ukraine, sending the legislation to President Donald Trump for his consideration.
The bill passed on Wednesday by a vote of 262-159, after previously clearing the US Senate. The legislation, championed by the late South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, had faced more than a year of delays and obstacles.
If enacted, the measure would give Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on countries that purchase Russian energy, including major buyers such as China and India. It would also impose sanctions on Russian officials, banks and tankers involved in transporting Russian energy.
Fifty-eight House Democrats joined most Republicans in supporting the bill, breaking with Democratic leadership. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries opposed the measure, arguing that the expanded tariff authority could potentially be used against US allies.
The legislation marks the first time in more than two years that the US Congress has passed legislation supporting Ukraine, according to Al Jazeera.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had strongly advocated for the measure. He urged US lawmakers to approve the sanctions package ahead of the Senate vote last month.
The bill is named after Graham, who died in July and had played a key role in advancing the legislation and negotiating support for it with the Trump administration.
Trump is expected to sign the bill into law, which would give his administration additional tools to increase economic pressure on Russia and countries continuing to purchase Russian energy.
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