House Passes Ukraine Aid Bill as 18 Republicans Break With Trump on Russia Sanctions
The House approved a sweeping Ukraine aid and Russia sanctions package Thursday, with 18 Republicans joining Democrats in a vote that exposed divisions within the GOP over U.S. policy toward the war in Ukraine.
The Ukraine Support Act passed 226-195 and would provide more than $1 billion in security and reconstruction assistance while authorizing up to $8 billion in loans for Ukraine. The measure also expands sanctions targeting Russian financial institutions, energy interests, mining operations, and government officials.
Supporters forced the legislation to the floor through a discharge petition, a procedural tool that allowed lawmakers to bypass House leadership after collecting enough signatures. The move reflected growing frustration among some lawmakers who argue Congress should maintain support for Ukraine despite resistance from Trump and senior Republican leaders.
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Rep. Gregory Meeks, the bill’s sponsor, argued the legislation would help Ukraine negotiate from a stronger position against Russia. Opponents countered that the proposal could complicate ongoing diplomatic efforts and interfere with the administration’s approach to the conflict.
The vote marked the second major foreign-policy dispute this week in which House Republicans crossed party lines on an issue opposed by Trump. Analysts view the outcome as a notable test of the president’s influence over congressional Republicans, particularly on Ukraine policy.
The legislation now moves to the Senate, where Republican leaders have shown little appetite for advancing similar measures without White House support. Even if it clears Congress, Trump is expected to veto the bill.
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