WASHINGTON — Eighteen Republican lawmakers joined Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives to pass legislation providing new aid to Ukraine and imposing additional sanctions on Russia, overriding opposition from Republican leadership.
The House approved the Ukraine Support Act on Thursday by a vote of 226-195, sending the measure to the Senate. The bill would provide security and reconstruction assistance to Ukraine while authorizing loans for defense purposes and expanding sanctions targeting Russian economic sectors.
The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, advanced after supporters used a discharge petition to force a floor vote, circumventing resistance from GOP leaders.
Republican support for the measure grew in recent days. Lawmakers including Reps. Don Bacon of Nebraska and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania had backed the effort earlier, with additional Republicans joining for final passage. Details on the exact composition of the aid package, including precise funding amounts, remain subject to further clarification as the bill moves forward.
"The bipartisan vote demonstrates that the House stands with the Ukrainian people," Fitzpatrick said in a statement following the vote.
The measure comes amid ongoing debates over U.S. policy toward the Russia-Ukraine conflict. President Donald Trump and Republican congressional leaders have expressed reservations about additional funding, favoring diplomatic approaches instead. The bill's passage highlights divisions within the Republican Party on foreign aid priorities.
Democratic leaders pushed the legislation, arguing it supports U.S. national security interests in Europe. Nearly all Democrats backed the bill, with Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota the sole Democrat voting against it.
The legislation would also extend certain assistance mechanisms and impose new penalties on entities supporting Russia's economy, according to summaries from congressional offices. It builds on previous U.S. support for Ukraine but represents the first major such package to advance in the House during the current congressional session despite White House opposition.
House Speaker Mike Johnson and other GOP leaders had sought to block the bill, warning it could complicate broader negotiations. The 18 Republicans who voted in favor crossed party lines to create a bipartisan majority.
The Senate must still consider the legislation, where it faces an uncertain path given Republican control and the administration's position. No immediate timeline for Senate action was announced.
The vote follows other recent House actions on foreign policy matters, including resolutions related to U.S. military involvement elsewhere. Further details on implementation would depend on final passage and presidential approval.
