US House sets final vote date on Russia sanctions
Photo: Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
The US House of Representatives voted 214-211 to approve the rules for considering a bill imposing sanctions on Russia. The final vote on the bill itself will take place on Wednesday, September 16, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist Alex Raufoglu.
The procedural vote on how the bill would be considered initially fell short of the votes needed to pass.
Republicans Andy Harris, Tim Burchett, and Ralph Norman voted against the measure, while Democrats Jared Golden and one other lawmaker joined Republicans in voting in favor.
The measure ultimately passed by a vote of 214-211.
Immediately afterward, Rep. Michael McCaul announced: "Tomorrow, I will be managing the debate on the [House] floor for final passage of the Lindsey Graham sanctions bill."
After clearing the procedural hurdle, bill co-sponsor Sen. Richard Blumenthal addressed the Ukrainian community.
"We will not rest until Ukraine is secure as a free nation," Blumenthal said.
According to Blumenthal, the bill could "scorch" Putin's war machine.
"he only way to stop bullies is to push them back and punch them in the face," the senator added.
The sanctions bill was drafted last year by South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, who died this summer. He was one of the most consistent supporters of Ukraine in Congress.
The bill would give President Donald Trump the authority to impose 100% tariffs on five countries that buy the most Russian oil and gas, as well as on five countries that help Moscow circumvent energy restrictions. China, India, and Türkiye are currently among the biggest buyers of Russian oil products.
