US Congress Approves 'Giant Bomb' Against Russia
The US Congress has delivered a final victory for President Donald Trump ahead of the mid-term elections. They have officially passed a bill for massive sanctions against Russia, which critics have warned will grant Trump new powers to impose sweeping tariffs that could shake the economy.
Quoting CNN on Thursday (17/9/2026), the US House of Representatives gave final approval on Wednesday to the Russian sanctions bill, dedicated in the name of the late Senator Lindsey Graham. The final vote tally was 262-1059, with dozens of Democratic politicians surprisingly providing support. The bill will now go directly to Trump’s desk for signature.
Most Republican members of Parliament support the policy. However, according to sources familiar with the discussions, nearly a dozen Republicans have privately lobbied party leaders in recent days to remove the new tariff authority contained within it. They fear this manoeuvre will further drive up prices just before the election. Unfortunately, House Speaker Mike Johnson and his leadership team have firmly rejected the proposed amendments.
Under the new tariff authority in the law, the Trump administration could impose levies of up to 100% on countries that purchase Russian oil and gas, including China and India. Critics believe this extreme authority could cause a massive shock to the global economy.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will ultimately determine the final tariff rates. However, this has not eased concerns from Democrats, who are protesting publicly, nor from Republicans, who are fearful privately. On the other hand, supporters of the bill on both sides argue that the tariff authority is limited and carefully designed, making fears regarding the extent of presidential power over trade unfounded.
For context, this bill was first introduced in April 2025 through lengthy negotiations led by Graham to secure White House approval. Graham’s last public appearance, just one day before his death, was in Ukraine, where he stood in front of a tank on the streets of Kyiv to announce that Trump would support the bill.
The vote ultimately presented a heavy dilemma for many Democrats. The majority were eager to support a package that imposes mandatory sanctions on high-ranking Russian government officials, including President Vladimir Putin, oligarchs, state-owned enterprises, and foreign companies supporting Russia’s defence industry.
However, this triggered deep internal tension. An ally of Ukraine and senior Maryland Representative Steny Hoyer passionately defended the bill, despite opposing his own leadership. A day earlier, two centrist Democrats even risked opposing their leaders to help Republicans bring the bill to the floor when GOP votes were lacking.
The Senate had already passed the bill in a broad bipartisan vote last August. Senator Richard Blumenthal, the bill’s primary Democratic sponsor in the Senate, expressed his hope that the House would recognise its great responsibility.