WASHINGTON, D.C. – Right before the House recessed until after the elections, they passed a Russia sanctions bill named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham. The legislation, which passed in the Senate in early August, now heads to the President’s desk.
The bill focuses on Russia’s energy sector by punishing those who buy their oil and gas. The bill allows the President to impose tariffs on those countries, which could include India and China.
“We need this war to wind to a close and I think flexing more on Russia’s economy is probably the best way to do it,” said Rep. Nick Langworthy (R- NY). “They’re the aggressor, they’re the villain. Putin is a butcher and a murderer and we have to put as much pressure as possible taking money out of their war effort.”
“We had to really tighten that screw down so they knew that we’re serious and it’s going to send a positive shockwave worldwide, manifesting itself in different markets but the Russians cannot be allowed to continue their aggressions that they unfortunately are historically incapable of stopping,” said Rep. Jack Bergman (R- MI).
There was some Democratic hesitation on supporting the measure. Some Democrats were worried about the growing tariff authority it would give to the President. We asked Representative Joe Wilson (R- SC), an outspoken supporter for Ukraine, how he helped get Democrats on board.
“I was assuring them on my view the tariff issue is already in law so by having it in this statute it didn’t change what the law was and it is,” said Rep. Wilson. “I’m grateful for the number of Democrats who did vote for it.”
Theo Menon, the associate director for governmental affairs with Razom for Ukraine, a pro-Ukrainian organization, said this legislation sends a message to Russia and beyond.
“I think the world has been looking to the United States for a stronger signal especially because it’s been years now since we’ve gone on the record since we’ve approved legislation to benefit our allies and partners in Ukraine,” said Menon. “They were looking for this. Its reflected in public statements we’ve seen from diplomats and foreign leaders across the world, especially in Europe; realizing and recognizing the United States still stands firmly behind Ukraine.”
