House Passes Ukraine Aid in Rebuke of Republican Leaders

The House passed bipartisan legislation on Thursday leveling new economic sanctions on Russia and strengthening Ukraine’s defenses despite opposition from Republican leaders.

The measure passed by a vote of 226-195, with 18 Republicans and one independent joining Democrats in support. Coming a day after the House backed a measure to end the war with Iran, the Ukraine vote represented another challenge to President Donald Trump’s foreign policy approach.

Supporters forced the legislation to the floor after securing the 218 signatures required on a discharge petition, a rare procedural maneuver that bypassed House leaders and compelled consideration over their objections. The bill’s advocates framed their backing in moral terms, invoking former President Ronald Reagan’s Cold War defiance of the Soviet Union.

“This is a moment to choose between right and wrong, good and evil, not tomorrow, but today, tonight,” said Rep. Steny Hoyer, a Maryland Democrat. “This is a moment to stand with those who are fighting on the front lines for democracy, sovereignty and international law.”

The bill would authorize hundreds of millions of dollars in security assistance for Ukraine, provide up to $8 billion in loans for Kyiv to purchase U.S. military equipment and impose additional sanctions targeting Russia’s energy and financial sectors. It also would authorize $300 million annually in 2026 and 2027 to train and equip Ukraine’s military and include assistance for the Baltic nations of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.

Supporters said the legislation was intended to demonstrate continued congressional backing for Ukraine as Russia’s war enters its fifth year and Russian attacks intensify.

The sanctions package targets Russia’s energy sector, expands restrictions on sanctioned entities and targets foreign companies, banks and governments that help Moscow evade existing sanctions.

The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said he and other members were frustrated that Republican leaders resisted his efforts to raise the bill through regular order.

He argued Trump has been trying to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to make a bad peace deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin — an “authoritarian thug.”

“In the last 17 months, Russia has redoubled its efforts to break Ukrainians’ spirit while waging its illegal war, and this body has failed to meet the moment,” Meeks said in a floor speech. “So let me be clear: The administration could be doing more right now without waiting for Congress.”

Republican leaders opposed the measure, first introduced in April 2025, arguing it was outdated and could complicate the Trump administration’s efforts to negotiate an end to the war. The administration has pursued peace talks largely through Moscow and at times suspended aid to Ukraine, which has increasingly relied on support from NATO allies.

The first test vote on the Ukraine bill happened Wednesday evening, and supporters were able to advance the measure by a margin of 218-204. Six Republicans and independent Rep. Kevin Kiley of California joined with every Democrat in supporting it.

Rep. Keith Self, a Texas Republican and subcommittee chair over European affairs, argued the bill was “unserious” and was among Republicans who said it would constrain Trump’s ability to negotiate a peace.

“If you support this bill, then clearly you are not interested in peace, because the consequences would tie the hands of this president and could lead to future hostilities that would bleed over into Europe,” he said on the House floor.

Despite House passage, the bill faces uncertain prospects in the Senate, where lawmakers have spent months debating Russia sanctions legislation without a vote. Even if the Ukraine package was approved by both chambers, it would face the prospect of a presidential veto. Supporters still hope the Senate will take up the bill.

“It’s imperative to take aggressive steps,” said Rep. Mike Lawler, a New York Republican. “I think obviously the Senate ultimately is going to weigh in, and hopefully this vote will force them to actually engage in a legislative effort on this front.”