What specific tariff authorities does the newly passed Russia sanctions bill grant to the U.S. president?

The bill authorizes the president to levy 100% tariffs on the top five buyers of Russian crude and natural gas, as well as the top five countries aiding Russia’s energy sanctions evasion; it also allows a blanket 500% tariff on Russian goods imported to the U.S., and grants this new tariff authority for five years.

Why was the legislation narrowed from its original version, and who was instrumental in its passage?

The legislation was dramatically narrowed from a version drafted last year to win the backing of President Donald Trump, who had ended most direct aid to Ukraine in favor of selling weapons to the country—often paid for by America’s European allies—and the bill was championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, whose sister, Senator Darline Graham, spoke in support of it shortly before the Senate vote.

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