- Bill Provides Billions in Security and Reconstruction Support, Targets Russian Economy
WASHINGTON: The US House of Representatives on Thursday approved legislation aimed at strengthening support for Ukraine and imposing sanctions on key sectors of the Russian economy, despite opposition from Republican leaders who argued the measure could interfere with ongoing diplomatic efforts.
The bill, introduced by Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), passed by a vote of 226-195 and would provide more than $1 billion in security and reconstruction assistance to Ukraine. It would also authorize an additional $8 billion in defense support through loans.
The vote reflected growing frustration among lawmakers over President Donald Trump’s approach to the war and marked the second major foreign policy challenge to his administration from the House this week.
A day earlier, lawmakers approved a war powers resolution aimed at limiting US military involvement in operations against Iran.
Congressional Push for Stronger Ukraine Support
Supporters forced the Ukraine legislation to the House floor through a rarely successful procedural move known as a discharge petition, which allows lawmakers to bypass leadership when a majority of members sign on.
The tool has recently been used by lawmakers to advance other high-profile measures, including legislation related to the release of government records involving Jeffrey Epstein and efforts to extend healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act.
Rep. Meeks said the central issue before Congress was whether the United States would help Ukraine negotiate from a position of strength or allow Russia to continue its military campaign.
“We all want this war to end,” Meeks said. “The question is how. Will we abandon Ukraine and force it into a terrible deal? That is what Vladimir Putin is counting on.”
Republican Opposition: Bill Called Outdated and Politically Motivated
Most Republicans opposed the legislation, arguing that it did not reflect current negotiations between Congress and the White House.
Rep. French Hill (R-Ark.), chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, said he supports Ukraine but criticized the bill as outdated and insufficient.
He argued that the measure provides less security assistance than previously approved defense agreements and warned that parts of the bill could affect defense commitments among NATO allies.
Rep. Brian Mast (R-Fla.), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, described the bill as an attempt to challenge Trump’s position, calling it “an unserious bill” that was drafted long before current negotiations.
However, some Republicans broke ranks and backed the measure.
Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) supported the bill, saying the vote represented a choice between supporting Ukraine and allowing Russia to continue its aggression.
The final vote included 207 Democrats, 18 Republicans and one independent in favor, while 194 Republicans and Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar voted against it.
Supporters Hope Senate Will Act
Backers of the bill said the House vote was intended to pressure the Senate to take similar action, although they acknowledged the measure faces significant obstacles without White House support.
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) said the legislation may not secure the 60 votes needed in the Senate but would send a message to both Ukraine and Russia.
“It’s going to send a great message to the soldiers of Ukraine,” Fitzpatrick said, adding that it would demonstrate continued US commitment.
Ukraine Funding Debate Continues in Washington
The vote comes as congressional support for additional Ukraine funding has become increasingly difficult after years of war.
According to a recent inspector general report on Operation Atlantic Resolve, the United States has committed around $195 billion to support Ukraine’s defense and related efforts, with a portion used to replenish US military stockpiles.
The last major Ukraine assistance package was approved in April 2024, though smaller amounts have since been included in annual spending bills.
Republican Leaders Warn Against Undermining Negotiations
House Republican leaders urged members to reject the bill, saying negotiations with the White House were already underway.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) said discussions between Congress and the administration could produce stronger results and warned that passing the bill could weaken those efforts.
The war, which began after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, has continued for more than four years with no clear path to a settlement.
Recent diplomatic efforts led by the United States have stalled, with disagreements over ceasefire terms and future security arrangements. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accepted a proposed unconditional ceasefire, while Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected it.
Meanwhile, the Senate has focused on separate legislation that would impose broad tariffs and secondary sanctions on countries purchasing Russian energy exports, a major source of revenue for Moscow’s war effort. The proposal, however, has yet to advance.
BY: The Times Union
