WASHINGTON — The U.S. House of Representatives passed a new aid package for Ukraine on Thursday, defying opposition from President Donald Trump and Republican leadership, congressional officials said.
The legislation, known as the Ukraine Support Act, would provide more than $1 billion in security and reconstruction assistance and authorize about $8 billion in loans for Ukraine's defense, according to bill sponsors and congressional records. It also includes new sanctions on segments of the Russian economy. The measure passed 226-195, with 18 Republicans joining Democrats.
House Democrats and the Republican supporters used a discharge petition to force the bill to the floor after it had stalled in committee. The vote marked the latest instance of congressional pushback against the Trump administration's approach to the conflict in Ukraine.
Trump has opposed additional large-scale aid packages, favoring negotiations to end the conflict. White House officials have indicated the president would likely veto the measure if it reaches his desk. The bill now heads to the Senate, where it faces uncertain prospects.
"Congress has a responsibility to support our allies and counter Russian aggression," Rep. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the bill's sponsor, said in a statement. Republican opponents argued the legislation could complicate diplomatic efforts.
The package represents the first standalone Ukraine aid bill to advance in either chamber during Trump's second term. It comes amid ongoing Russian military operations in Ukraine and follows months of stalled funding efforts in Congress.
Previous U.S. aid has included substantial military, economic and humanitarian support since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. The new measure would add to that assistance while expanding sanctions targeting Russian industries and entities evading existing restrictions.
Details on the exact allocation of funds and implementation timeline would depend on final passage and any modifications in the Senate. Senate Republicans have signaled reservations similar to those expressed by Trump and House GOP leaders.
As of Monday, the bill had not yet been taken up in the Senate. Congressional aides said further action could occur in the coming weeks, though timing remained unclear. The development highlights divisions within the Republican Party on foreign policy priorities.
International reactions continued to emerge, with Ukrainian officials welcoming the House vote while European allies monitored Senate proceedings. The full scope of any eventual U.S. support would depend on the legislative outcome.
