Russia faces growing scrutiny in its trade ties with the United States as Washington moves to redefine how it treats Moscow. In a response aligned with the Biden administration and congressional leaders, the House and Senate approved two targeted bills that end permanent normal trade relations with Russia and Belarus and set up new tools to curb energy imports. The measures now await a signature from President Joe Biden, who has signaled support for tightening economic pressure in response to the war in Ukraine.
In the Senate, both laws drew broad, nearly unanimous backing. A small contingent of Republican lawmakers voted in favor of amended versions passed by the House last month. Three members supported the tariff and trade bill, while nine joined the energy veto measure. The same legislative push that began in March, when the G seven urged Moscow to withdraw its special trade status, has now culminated in new rules that could reshape Moscow’s access to Western markets.
The legislative package will take effect only after Biden signs it into law. The president has already taken executive action to limit Russia’s access to key energy resources, signaling a parallel track of diplomacy and enforcement designed to pressure Moscow over its actions in Ukraine.
limited impact, lasting symbolism
Even with the economic blow concentrated on a relatively small set of trading partners, the move carries heavy symbolic weight. Russia ranks as the United States 23rd largest trading partner by official trade data, but the gesture signals a clear stand against the Kremlin and reinforces the intent to isolate Moscow economically for the invasion of Ukraine. Several core areas will see continued exceptions, including fundamental commodities such as fertilizers or uranium, where existing laws grant Biden authority to adjust or preserve certain exemptions as needed.