End Russian Oil Windfalls Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8222
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-09: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, 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
- 2026-04-21T08:05:54Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The End Russian Oil Windfalls Act (H.R. 8222) aims to restrict Russian oil and petroleum exports by nullifying specific U.S. Treasury licenses that allowed certain sales to India, imposing new sanctions on Russia's energy sector, and requiring reports on Russian oil revenues and energy companies' links to Ukrainian child abductions. It seeks to cut off revenue streams funding Russia's activities, particularly amid geopolitical tensions like the Ukraine conflict and a hypothetical Strait of Hormuz closure.
Key Provisions
- Nullification of Licenses (Sec. 2): Immediately cancels Russia-related General License 133 (for oil loaded by March 5, 2026, to India) and 134A (loaded by March 12, 2026), issued by the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Prohibits future similar authorizations for Russian oil sales or deliveries.
- New Sanctions (Sec. 3): Within 30 days, the President must sanction Russian individuals or entities involved in:
- Oil/gas extraction.
- Oil/gas refining or production.
- Maritime transport of oil/gas products.
- Sanctions include asset blocking (freezing U.S.-linked property) and visa restrictions (barring entry, revoking visas).
- Exceptions for humanitarian aid, U.N. obligations, and U.S. intelligence/law enforcement.
- Reporting Requirements:
- Sec. 4: Every 60 days for 3 years, State Department reports on the nullified licenses' impacts, including Russian oil export volumes, prices, revenues (noting premiums from Strait of Hormuz issues), and production levels.
- Sec. 5: Every 180 days for 2 years, reports on Russian state-owned energy firms' roles in abducting or deporting Ukrainian children.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Overrides executive-branch general licenses (typically issued under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act or IEEPA, 50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.), which temporarily ease sanctions.
- Mandates automatic sanctions on broad categories of Russian energy actors, bypassing discretionary presidential authority.
- Applies IEEPA penalties (fines, imprisonment) to violations and allows classified info in court reviews without granting new judicial rights.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Burdens Treasury, State, DHS, and President with rapid implementation (30 days) and ongoing reports; limits Treasury's flexibility on sanctions waivers.
- Citizens/Entities: U.S. persons face penalties for dealings with sanctioned Russians; Russian energy workers/officials lose U.S. access/visas.
- International Relations: Escalates U.S. pressure on Russia, potentially straining ties with India (major Russian oil buyer); disrupts global oil shipping/markets; supports Ukraine indirectly.
- Economic: Reduces Russian oil revenues, possibly raising global energy prices.
Main Stakeholders
- U.S. Government: Congress (oversight via reports), Executive (implementation/enforcement).
- Russian Entities: State-owned energy firms (e.g., in extraction, refining, shipping) and personnel.
- India: Affected as recipient of licensed Russian oil.
- Ukraine: Benefits from reports on child abductions.
- Global Markets: Oil traders, shippers, consumers facing tighter supply.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Relies on IEEPA for powers/penalties but mandates actions, potentially testing presidential discretion in sanctions.
- Constitutional: Congress asserts foreign policy role via legislation overriding executive licenses, raising separation-of-powers questions.
- Political: Signals bipartisan hawkishness on Russia (introduced by Reps. Meeks and Keating); could influence U.S. sanctions strategy amid Ukraine war and energy geopolitics. Referred to Foreign Affairs and Judiciary Committees.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Meeks, Gregory W. [D-NY-5]
Cosponsors (4)
Rep. Keating, William R. [D-MA-9], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5], Rep. Kaptur, Marcy [D-OH-9]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-09: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, 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.
- 2026-04-09: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, 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.
- 2026-04-09: Introduced in House
- 2026-04-09: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- End Russian Oil Windfalls Act — issued 2026-04-09 — PDF (9 pages)