US Lawmaker Moves India Amendment in Russia Sanctions Bill

The United States House of Representatives has received amendments to the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, a sanctions bill that gives President Donald Trump authority to impose penalties on Moscow’s trading partners. One amendment names India and several other countries for possible 100 per cent duties on trade in Russian oil.

Russia Sanctions Bill

The Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act is a United States sanctions proposal linked to Russia and Iran. The bill allows the President to impose secondary sanctions on countries that trade with Russia, including through oil purchases.

The original Senate version passed in August 2026 by an 86-11 vote. It did not name specific trading partners and referred instead to the five largest importers of oil and gas by volume.

Proposed Amendments in the House

Democratic Congressman Steny Hoyer has moved an amendment that explicitly names China, India, Turkiye, Azerbaijan, Hungary, the Slovak Republic, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Kazakhstan, and the Kyrgyz Republic. The amendment makes these countries eligible for 100 per cent duties on trade in Russian oil.

The proposed tariff provision is linked to the US position that crude oil trade with Russia helps finance Russia’s war against Ukraine. The amendment was made public by the House Rules Committee on 14 September 2026.

Secondary Tariffs and Section 113

Democratic Congressman Gregory Meeks has moved an amendment to delete Section 113 of the bill. Section 113 would give the President authority to impose broad secondary tariffs on Russia’s trading partners.

Meeks’ amendment has three co-sponsors. The amendment reflects opposition in the House to expanding presidential tariff powers under the bill.

Important Facts for Exams

• Secondary sanctions are penalties imposed on third parties that continue business with a sanctioned country.
• The United States Senate passed the original bill by an 86-11 vote in August 2026.
• The House Rules Committee is a key committee for managing amendments before floor consideration in the House of Representatives.
• Russia remains a major exporter of crude oil and natural gas in global energy markets.

Legislative Process in the United States

The House of Representatives had four working days left before its early recess ahead of the midterm elections on 3 November 2026. The bill must pass the House before it can be sent to President Trump for signature.