U.S. lawmakers worry about potential abuse of tariff powers by Trump, propose exemption for allies
U.S. Senator Chris Murphy commented on the controversy surrounding the major sanctions bill targeting Russia, stating that pursuing perfection should not hinder practical and feasible actions.
More than 80 U.S. senators have backed this new sanctions bill. However, progress has been stalled, with the main point of contention being the power granted to Trump to impose tariffs on major importers of Russian oil and natural gas.
Eleven Democratic senators, along with Republican Senator Rand Paul, have called for removing the relevant provisions. They are reasonably concerned that Trump would gain overly broad authority, enabling the use of tariffs not only against Russia’s trade partners but also potentially against U.S. allies, following a logic of "punishing friends and favoring adversaries."
Representative Gregory Meeks said: "The proposed sanctions in the bill entirely depend on Trump's subjective discretion. He has repeatedly made clear his preference—rather than introducing new sanctions, he would rather lift existing ones against Russia."
In parallel, co-author Richard Blumenthal assured that the final version of the bill was finalized shortly before Lindsey Graham's passing, with corresponding revisions made to protect European allies.
The bill includes an exemption clause for countries reducing their imports of Russian natural gas to below 15% of Russia's annual total gas exports.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1872458809617415/
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