Republicans fear Russia sanctions bill will give Trump too much power on tariffs

The US Congress has delivered President Donald Trump a major Russia sanctions bill ahead of the midterms, but Republican concerns over its tariff provisions have exposed divisions within the party.

The House approved the bill Wednesday by a 262-159 vote, with dozens of Democrats joining Republicans. The measure now goes to Trump for his signature.

Most Republicans support the legislation, which imposes mandatory sanctions on senior Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, as well as oligarchs, state-owned companies and foreign businesses supporting Russia’s defense industry.

However, nearly a dozen Republicans privately urged party leaders to remove provisions granting the administration new tariff powers, fearing they could increase prices before the midterms, according to CNN.

The legislation would allow the Trump administration to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries purchasing Russian oil and gas, including China and India.

Although US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer would determine the final tariff level, some Republicans remain concerned that the measure could ultimately give Trump too much authority over tariffs and create wider economic consequences.

Democrats have also criticized the tariff provisions. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries opposed the bill, questioning why Congress would give Trump additional authority to impose economic harm.

“Why in the world would this Congress give this president additional authority to visit that kind of economic harm on the American people?” he asked.

Three senior House Democrats — Gregory Meeks, Richard Neal and Don Beyer — likewise argued the bill would “do more harm than good.”

“This bill would dramatically expand presidential tariff authorities while failing to mandate sanctions on Russia, both of which are unacceptable,” they said.

Supporters from both parties maintain that the tariff authority is limited and carefully structured, arguing concerns about expanded presidential trade power are unfounded.

The bill was introduced in April 2025 after more than a year of negotiations led by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, who secured Trump’s backing shortly before his death.