In Washington, preparations are gaining momentum for a major legislative act that could radically change the strategy of pressure on the Russian economy. According to The Wall Street Journal, the US is developing a document that would grant President Donald Trump the authority to impose tariffs against the largest importers of Russian oil and gas.
Targeting China and India
The legislative initiative, actively promoted by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, could be presented to Congress as early as this week. The main thrust of the document is directed at the five countries leading in the purchase of Russian energy carriers. China and India are at the top of this list.
According to the text of the bill, the President will receive the right to unilaterally impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries and individuals contributing to the sale of Russian raw materials. Experts note that this will be an unprecedented case where Congress sanctions the use of tariffs as a direct geopolitical weapon.
Compromise between the White House and Congress
The current version of the document is the result of complex negotiations. Initially, lawmakers proposed stricter measures providing for tariffs of up to 500% on goods from any country buying Russian raw materials. However, the White House insisted on maintaining flexibility for the President in negotiations regarding the conclusion of the conflict in Ukraine.
In addition to trade barriers, the bill provides for tightening sanctions against the Russian defense, financial, and energy sectors, as well as against the so-called "shadow fleet".
Legal legitimacy and memory of Graham
One of the key goals of passing the law is to create a legally impeccable basis for the actions of the head of state. This is necessary to avoid conflicts following the US Supreme Court decision, which previously prohibited the President from unilaterally imposing tariffs based on the National Emergencies Act.
Lawmakers plan to pass the document in memory of Senator Lindsey Graham, who, according to forensic experts, died at the age of 71 from an aortic dissection. The Trump team confirmed that the President supports this initiative.
Doubts from Democrats and experts
Despite support from Republicans, the new version of the law may face resistance from some Democrats. They fear that transferring such broad powers to impose tariffs to Trump could be used not only against Russia but also to unleash trade wars with US allies.
Former sanctions official Edward Fishman believes that traditional secondary sanctions against banks and traders would be more effective than tariffs. However, supporters of the bill point out that similar measures already forced India to reduce purchases of Russian oil last year.
The path to adoption
Senate Republican Leader John Thune assesses the possibility of bringing the document to a vote in the near future. However, there is a complication with the "blue slip" rule (senators' approval), as the bill provides for budget revenue through tariffs, which requires initial approval from the House of Representatives.
Donald Trump himself stated that the probability of passing the bill on "hellish sanctions" is quite high. According to him, the document may also include additional measures against Iran and the "Hezbollah" organization.
