US House to hold vote Wednesday on sweeping Russia sanctions bill

The US House of Representatives is scheduled to hold a decisive vote on Wednesday, September 16, on a bill that would significantly strengthen sanctions against Russia. The development was reported by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty correspondent Alex Raufoglu on social media platform X, citing proceedings in Congress.

Republican Congressman Michael McCaul said he would personally oversee debate on the bill immediately before the decisive floor vote. He stated he would lead the House floor debate on final passage of the Lindsey Graham sanctions legislation.

Procedural hurdle cleared

The bill had previously cleared a key procedural obstacle on Tuesday, September 15, unblocking its consideration in the House. The legislation would grant President Donald Trump authority to impose 100 percent tariffs on countries that import Russian oil and gas or help Moscow evade international sanctions.

The bill would also substantially expand personal sanctions against Russia's military leadership and foreign suppliers, ban new US investment in the Russian economy, target Russia's "shadow fleet" of oil tankers, and tighten restrictions on exports to Russia of goods that could be used to manufacture weapons.

Message of support for Ukraine

After the procedural hurdle was overcome, Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, a co-author of the initiative, addressed the Ukrainian community. He affirmed unwavering support for Ukraine and stressed that the law could significantly cripple Vladimir Putin's war machine. The senator said support would continue until Ukraine becomes a protected, free nation, comparing the situation to the need to firmly stand up to an aggressor.