Sweeping new sanctions targeting Russia's energy and defense sectors await Trump's signature after bipartisan House vote.
Published
The US House of Representatives passed a sweeping Russia sanctions bill on Wednesday with a 262-159 vote, with many Democratic lawmakers joining Republicans to approve the legislation that targets Russia's energy and defense industries along with its "shadow fleet" of tankers evading existing sanctions. The Senate approved the bill in early August, and President Donald Trump is expected to sign it into law.
The late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham had been lobbying for the legislation over the past year, earning it the moniker "sanctions bill from hell" in American media. The bill also includes sanctions on Iran and threatens steep tariffs on major buyers of Russian oil, including China and India.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna welcomed the bill's approval, calling it a necessary measure targeting countries that purchase Russian oil and gas. The legislation represents one of the most comprehensive Western efforts to squeeze Russia's economy since the invasion of Ukraine.
The bill now moves to Trump's desk for his signature, which would activate the new sanctions regime against Moscow, Tehran, and nations continuing to purchase Russian energy exports.
Sources: 1. Meduza: US House passes bill imposing ‘sanctions from hell’ on Russia — https://meduza.io/en/news/2026/09/17/us-house-passes-bill-imposing-sanctions-from-hell-on-russia (src1) 2. Moscow Times: U.S.