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A U.S. Senate bill aimed at tightening sanctions on Russia is facing growing opposition in the House of Representatives and may remain stalled until the November midterm elections, Bloomberg reports.
The legislation, which the Senate approved 86–11 last month, has drawn concerns from both Democrats and Republicans over its potential impact on U.S. tariffs and fuel prices.
The bill would authorize President Donald Trump to impose 100% tariffs on the five largest buyers of Russian oil and gas, as well as five countries accused of helping Moscow circumvent energy sanctions. China, India and Turkey are among the biggest buyers of Russian oil.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said Thursday that he was doubtful the bill would reach the floor before the November 3 midterm elections. He noted that lawmakers have only a limited number of working days in Washington over the next two months.
“We all agree that Russia needs to be sanctioned, but when you pass legislation, you have to get the formula right,” Johnson said, adding that lawmakers are trying to produce a version capable of passing the House.
Concerns over fuel prices
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast said lawmakers were examining how the proposed tariffs could affect gasoline prices.
If countries such as India were forced to replace Russian oil with supplies from other producers, global oil prices could rise, he warned.
Fuel prices have already increased sharply amid the war with Iran, creating an additional political risk for Republicans ahead of the elections.
Democrats have raised a separate concern: that the bill could give Trump broader tariff powers than he currently possesses.
Congressman Gregory Meeks, the committee’s top Democrat, said he could not support legislation granting the president additional tariff authority. He also criticized a provision allowing Trump to waive the sanctions, arguing that it would weaken the bill.
Democrat Brad Schneider likewise said the tariff provisions were unacceptable.
“I am not prepared to give any president, and especially this president, even more unlimited authority over tariffs,” he said.
Business groups oppose the bill
The legislation is also facing opposition from major business organizations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Retail Industry Leaders Association and the National Foreign Trade Council.
The groups argue that the tariff provisions could have unpredictable consequences for American consumers and businesses by allowing new duties on other countries that are U.S. trading partners and allies.
The House would need broad Democratic support to pass the bill through an expedited procedure requiring a two-thirds majority. Johnson also faces resistance from some Republicans, making passage increasingly difficult.
