Disagreements over Trump's tariff powers jeopardize agreement on "severe sanctions" against russia - media reports

Although the bill has not yet gained traction, its supporters believe there is still a chance it will be passed.

Plans to quickly pass the bill on “hellish sanctions” against russia—which Senator Lindsey Graham actively supported until his death—are now in jeopardy. The main obstacle has been disagreements between US President Donald Trump and Democrats in Congress over his authority regarding tariffs.

This is reported by The New York Times.

The dispute centers on a provision in the bill that allows—but does not require—US President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that purchase large volumes of russian oil and other energy resources. The bill also gives him the authority to lift these tariffs at his own discretion.

Democrats oppose giving Trump such broad powers. Republicans, on the other hand, believe that without this provision, it will be more difficult to increase pressure on russia. They also claim that Trump will not support a bill that limits his authority and will veto it.

The publication reports that as the Trump administration continues its tariff policy, leading Democrats have spoken out against this proposal. They do not want to grant the president broader trade powers, as they believe he is already bypassing Congress and assuming powers he does not have.

As the American publication NOTUS reported, senators have less and less time left before the start of the August congressional recess to pass a bill imposing sanctions against russia. The bill had been stalled for a long time, but after Graham’s sudden death, his allies hoped the bill would begin moving forward again.

These expectations grew after the Republican senator, while still alive, announced an agreement with the White House on moving the bill forward. The bill has also received the support of more than 60 senators, which is enough to overcome a filibuster.

Besides, as the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, Senator Darlene Graham, who replaced her brother, also backed the initiative. However, the bill’s progress is now once again in doubt.

In Washington, he was called “Trump’s whisperer,” while the kremlin declared him a “terrorist.” He was not only skilled at playing golf but also at reaching agreements where others had reached an impasse, and he remained one of the main drivers of US sanctions policy against russia.