Published: 15:17, September 18, 2026
US House passes Russia sanctions bill granting Trump tariff authority
By Xinhua
The photo, taken from atop the Washington Monument on Nov 17, 2025, shows the US Capitol building in Washington, DC, the United States. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

NEW YORK – The US House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill imposing sanctions on Russia and Iran, sending it to President Donald Trump for his signature.

The House passed the bill 262-159, with support from most Republicans and dozens of Democrats. The bill passed the Senate in August by an 86-11 vote with bipartisan support, after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with lawmakers and urged its passage.

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The measure would impose sanctions on Russian officials, banks and vessels used to transport Russian energy. It also authorizes Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on goods from the five largest importers of Russian oil or natural gas.

The measure also extends the Iran Sanctions Act by five years, maintaining sanctions targeting Iran's energy and weapons sectors.

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Since beginning his second term in January 2025, Trump has largely relied on executive authority to impose tariffs and sanctions rather than pursuing such measures through legislation in Congress.

Among Republicans, 203 voted for the bill and seven voted against it. House Democrats were divided over the legislation, with 58 voting for the bill and 152 against it, while one Independent voted for the bill.