Senate Democrats largely supported a Russia sanctions package that includes limited new tariff powers for President Trump, despite having repeatedly criticised his broader use of tariffs. The vote has drawn renewed attention after Trump imposed 50% tariffs on around $20 billion of Canadian goods, with opponents arguing that tariff authority can raise consumer prices and damage trade relations.

The sanctions measure would permit tariffs of up to 500% on Russian imports and up to 100% on the five largest buyers of Russian energy, including China and India. Only nine Democrats and Republican Senator Rand Paul opposed the package; supporters said its restrictions and possible court oversight would limit misuse, while Senator Raphael Warnock said he sought assurances that the powers would apply only to the specified energy purchasers.