Legislation allows 100% tariffs on top Russian oil buyers, renamed for Graham

House Democrats split on a Russia sanctions bill Wednesday as the chamber voted 262-159 to send the measure to President Donald Trump’s desk, exposing a divide within the caucus over how far to extend presidential tariff authority in service of punishing Moscow.

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., voted against the bill, citing its tariff provisions. Rep. Dan Goldman, D-N.Y., voted for it, casting the measure as essential to supporting Ukraine against Russia’s invasion.

The bill allows the president to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that purchase the most Russian oil and gas and on those that help Russia evade other sanctions. It also targets Russia’s “shadow fleet,” a tanker network that transports Russian oil. The legislation also includes a provision extending Iran sanctions.

On Wednesday, 203 Republicans, 58 Democrats and one Independent voted in favor of the measure, while seven Republicans and 152 Democrats voted against it. House Democratic leadership opposed the bill because of the tariff provisions, The Hill reported.

Jeffries explained his opposition, criticizing the bill’s grant of tariff authority to Trump.

“Life is way too expensive in the United States of America,” Jeffries said. “Why in the world would this Congress or the People’s House give this president unfettered authority to visit more tariffs on the world that will have an adverse effect on the American people? I can’t do it.”

Goldman, writing on social media after the vote, framed his support for the bill in terms of the war in Ukraine.

“Congress must do everything in its power to ensure that a democratic Ukraine wins the war against an authoritarian Russia,” Goldman wrote.

“If the United States is to remain a global leader for democracy, we must be definitive and unwavering in our support for our democratic ally Ukraine and continue to strongly oppose Vladimir Putin,” Goldman added. “Our bill is likely our one opportunity to do that for the foreseeable future. We simply cannot let it pass us by.”

The late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., a supporter of Ukraine, had worked for bipartisan support on the bill, which was delayed for months because of earlier Trump opposition. The bill was renamed for Graham, who died in July.

The Senate approved the legislation last month, and it now goes to Trump for his signature.