Washington, Sept 15: US lawmakers have introduced a series of amendments to the Russia sanctions bill, including one that specifically identifies India among countries that could face steep tariffs for trading in Russian oil.
The amendments to the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act were made public by the House Rules Committee on Monday, as lawmakers race to advance the legislation before the House of Representatives begins its early recess ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
The Senate passed the bill on August 7 by an overwhelming 86-11 vote. The legislation seeks to impose sanctions on Russia’s leadership and energy sector, as well as on the so called “shadow fleet” of vessels accused of helping Moscow circumvent restrictions on oil exports.
Washington argues that Russia’s crude oil revenues help finance its ongoing war against Ukraine. The proposed legislation would also authorise President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on major buyers of Russian oil.
The Senate-approved version does not specifically identify Russia’s trading partners. Instead, it refers to the five largest importers of Russian oil and gas by volume.
A House amendment introduced by Democratic Congressman Steny Hoyer seeks to explicitly name China, India, Turkiye, Azerbaijan, Hungary, the Slovak Republic, the UAE, Singapore, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyz Republic as countries eligible for the proposed 100 per cent duties.
At the same time, Democratic Congressman Gregory Meeks has proposed removing Section 113 of the bill, which would give the President authority to impose broad secondary tariffs on countries purchasing Russian energy.
Meeks’ proposal has three co-sponsors and reflects opposition among some lawmakers to expanding presidential authority over tariffs.
He has also introduced an amendment that would permit the President to waive sanctions against a foreign person for 90 days, with the possibility of repeated 90 day extensions, if such action is deemed vital to US national security.
Another amendment from Meeks would authorise up to USD 15 billion in direct loans to Ukraine to help finance the purchase of defence articles and services.
The bill now faces consideration in the House before it can be sent to the President for his signature. With only four working days remaining before the House recesses, lawmakers have limited time to decide the fate of the proposed amendments and the wider sanctions package.