The law, named for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., would allow the president to impose tariffs on goods from countries that buy Russian oil and gas, including potentially China and India. Congress approved it with strong majorities in both chambers, though many Democrats opposed granting the president expanded tariff authority.

The sanctions were designed to restrict revenue Russia earns while waging its war against Ukraine. Critics say Trump’s decision to suspend them gives Moscow financial relief. The law requires the administration to send Congress an unclassified explanation before waiving the sanctions; Trump’s order says the White House has submitted that report.

The move follows Trump’s announcement last week of an arrangement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to release hundreds of thousands of tons of Russian diesel onto the global market as fuel prices rise. Diesel prices have climbed nearly 70% since the Iran war began in February, according to the report. Trump has also blamed Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil and gas infrastructure for higher fuel costs and has criticized Ukraine’s strikes.

The waiver prompted condemnation from lawmakers. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., called it a “craven, cowardly action,” arguing the waivers have no connection to U.S. national security and instead amount to appeasing Putin. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., a supporter of Ukraine, said Trump was “prolonging the war, not ending it.”

The decision comes less than three weeks before the midterm elections, with the cost of living a major concern for voters. Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., who co-sponsored the legislation and is seeking a full term in her brother’s former Senate seat, had not criticized Trump’s Russian oil arrangement or his decision to halt the sanctions, according to the report.