September 17, 2026: The US House of Representatives has voted to advance a bill that would empower President Donald Trump to impose 100 per cent tariffs on India and other countries importing Russian oil and gas.

The bill seeks to penalise Russia and major purchasers of its petroleum products, which the US has said have helped fund Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 cleared a procedural vote in the US House of Representatives on Tuesday evening, after two Democratic lawmakers joined Republicans in backing the measure.

A resolution to advance the Russia sanctions bill, along with several other measures, was approved by the House in a 214-211 vote on Tuesday. The bill is expected to face a final vote on Wednesday.

The bill would allow President Trump to impose 100 per cent tariffs on goods from countries that import Russian oil and gas. Besides China and India, the listed countries include Azerbaijan, Hungary, and Slovakia.

The bill also seeks to extend the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 through 2031 and impose penalties on companies that invest in Iran’s energy sector.

The bill must clear the House of Representatives before it can be sent to the President for his signature. The House is scheduled to begin an early recess on September 17, and is expected to return on November 9, following the midterm elections.

(Source: The Telegraph)