US Congress reminds Trump of Graham Act after his deal with Putin

US senators and members of the House of Representatives from both parties have opposed President Donald Trump's decision to lift sanctions against Russia, reminding him of the Graham Act, which calls for tougher restrictions on Russian energy exports.

Source: European Pravda, citing statements by US lawmakers

Details: Democratic Senator Mark Kelly, commenting on the US administration's agreement with Russia to supply Russian diesel fuel, recalled the Lindsey Graham Russia and Iran Sanctions Act. Among other provisions, the bill provides for tougher sanctions against Russia and punitive tariffs on countries that buy Russian energy.

Quote from Kelly: "So what happened to the Lindsey Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act? The entire goal was to choke off Putin's money for the war by punishing countries who were evading the sanctions and buying Russian oil. Does that mean we're sanctioning ourselves now? Whose side is Trump on?"

Details: Democratic Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez noted that, by approving Lindsey Graham's bill, Congress had made its position on purchases of Russian oil clear.

Quote from Gluesenkamp Perez: "Congress, and the American people, have been clear that we do not support buying Russian oil to fund Putin's war in Ukraine. Just weeks ago, an overwhelming majority in the House passed legislation to levy steep new sanctions on the sale of Russian oil. And before I came to Congress, there was a near unanimous vote to expressly prohibit the import of Russian oil with the Ending Importation of Russian Oil Law."

Details: She stressed that the president's decision directly contradicts the will of Congress. Gluesenkamp Perez said she is working with lawmakers from both parties on a bill that would block all purchases of Russian oil.

Republican Representative Michael McCaul recalled that, through the sanctions bill, Congress had given Trump significant powers and leverage over China and Russia to end Putin's war by securing a peace deal.

Quote from McCaul: "Unfortunately, while I understand the desire to bring down diesel prices, I am concerned the lifting of sanctions on Russian oil will only fund the Kremlin's war machine – emboldening more violence and destruction, as we have seen in recent days."

Details: Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski urged Trump to use "those authorities instead of allowing Russia to export diesel, rake in revenues, and continue its catastrophic war in Ukraine".

"We can discuss Russia's return to global energy markets once the war is over, but in the meantime, we need to cut off everything fueling it," she stressed.

Background:

• On 9 October, Trump said he had spoken to Russian ruler Vladimir Putin and reached an agreement with him on supplying Russian diesel fuel to the US and global markets.
• Following the decision, Republican Representative Brian Fitzpatrick announced plans to draft a bill aimed at preventing Trump from unilaterally lifting sanctions on Russian oil.
• Recently, senators from both the Democratic and Republican parties sent a letter to US administration officials urging them to use all the tools provided for under the Graham Act to put pressure on Russia.

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