Trump faces steep odds as Senate sanctions bill stalls in House

Senator Lindsey Graham spent more than a year pushing a sanctions bill that would empower President Trump to levy up to 100% tariffs on the top five importers of Russian crude and gas, as well as on countries believed to facilitate Moscow's sanctions evasion. The measure also extends Iran energy and weapons sanctions for five years and gives the president discretion to waive Russia sanctions for unspecified security reasons.

Although the Senate gave it overwhelming procedural support and may pass it before the recess, the House, which is not scheduled to reconvene until August 31, is expected to be a tougher arena. Democrats such as Senator Ron Wyden and Representative Richard Neal, along with some Republicans, argue the tariff powers could fuel inflation and set a precedent for future presidents to target entire economies. The bill’s fate may also be influenced by upcoming elections, with some lawmakers preferring to wait for a potentially more favorable congressional composition.