Ending Importation of Laundered Russian Oil Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7095
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Foreign Trade and International Finance
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-01-15: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-24T13:33:29Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation aims to close a loophole in existing U.S. sanctions on Russian energy exports by prohibiting the importation of oil and related products that originate from Russian crude oil but are refined outside Russia. This targets efforts to "launder" Russian oil through foreign refineries to bypass direct import bans.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: The Act is named the "Ending Importation of Laundered Russian Oil Act."
- Import Ban: All products classified under Chapter 27 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (which covers mineral fuels, oils, distillation products, and similar energy-related items) produced at any refinery using crude oil from Russia are banned from importation into the United States, regardless of the refinery's location.
- Enforcement: The ban applies globally to refineries outside the Russian Federation that process Russian-origin crude oil.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Amends the Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act (Public Law 117-109, enacted in 2022), which previously banned direct imports of Russian crude oil and petroleum products.
- Inserts a new Section 3 to extend the prohibition to indirectly refined products, redesignating the original Section 3 (on enforcement and exceptions) as Section 4.
- Updates conforming language in the existing law to include the new Section 3 in references to enforcement mechanisms, such as penalties for violations and presidential waiver authority.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Department of Commerce will need to enhance monitoring and verification of oil origins, potentially increasing administrative workload and requiring new tracking technologies or international cooperation.
- On Citizens: U.S. consumers may face higher energy prices due to reduced supply options, affecting gasoline, heating fuel, and industrial costs; however, it could promote diversification to non-Russian sources.
- On International Relations: Strengthens U.S. sanctions pressure on Russia amid geopolitical tensions (e.g., related to Ukraine); may strain ties with countries like India or Turkey that refine Russian oil, potentially leading to trade negotiations or retaliatory measures.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Importers and Energy Companies: Face restrictions on sourcing, requiring shifts to alternative suppliers and possible supply chain disruptions.
- Russian Oil Producers and Exporters: Further limits revenue from oil sales, exacerbating economic isolation.
- Foreign Refineries and Governments: Entities in third countries processing Russian crude (e.g., in Asia or Europe) lose access to the U.S. market, impacting their economies and export strategies.
- U.S. Consumers and Businesses: Indirectly affected through potential energy price volatility and supply reliability.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Relies on Congress's authority under the Constitution's Commerce Clause to regulate imports; integrates with existing sanctions frameworks but may require updates to trade enforcement rules. The Harmonized Tariff Schedule classification ensures clear applicability to energy products without ambiguity.
- Constitutional: No direct challenges anticipated, as it aligns with foreign affairs powers shared between Congress and the executive branch; presidential waivers (from the original law) allow flexibility for national security needs.
- Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (introduced by Representatives from both parties) signals broad support for escalating economic measures against Russia; could influence global energy markets and U.S. foreign policy, but risks escalating trade tensions without multilateral buy-in from allies.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (19)
Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. McCormick, Richard [R-GA-7], Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4], Rep. Norcross, Donald [D-NJ-1], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5], Rep. Schneider, Bradley Scott [D-IL-10], Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4], Rep. Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3], Rep. Dean, Madeleine [D-PA-4], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Sherman, Brad [D-CA-32]
Recent Actions
- 2026-01-15: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-01-15: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-01-15: Introduced in House
- 2026-01-15: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Ending Importation of Laundered Russian Oil Act — issued 2026-01-15 — PDF (2 pages)