US House of Representatives votes to fund Ukraine and hit Russia with new sanctions
Photo: The US has already allocated about $195 billion in support of Ukraine (Getty Images)
The US House of Representatives has passed a bill on aid to Ukraine and sweeping sanctions against Russia. The final vote was 226 to 195, reports the AP.
What the bill contains
The bill, introduced by Democrat Gregory Meeks, provides for:
- Over $1 billion in direct aid to Ukraine for security and recovery;
- Another $8 billion in the form of defense loans;
- Sweeping sanctions against key sectors of the Russian economy.
How the vote went
The tally was 226 to 195. The majority of Republicans voted against. However, a portion of the GOP supported the bill, including Don Bacon of Nebraska.
"Are we going to stand with good or are we going to stand with evil? That’s what this is about tonight," he said.
The bill was able to be brought to a vote thanks to a discharge petition – 218 signatures bypassed the House leadership, which had been blocking consideration of the document.
What's next
Now the bill goes to the Senate. Its chances of success there are low, writes the AP – overcoming a procedural filibuster requires 60 votes, and without Trump's support, that is unlikely.
However, supporters of the bill are hoping for pressure:
"The vote would also send a message to Putin that we do have a pulse here, that we do care about Ukraine and that we are going to utilize our authority to help them," said Republican Brian Fitzpatrick.
Broader context
This is the second major foreign policy break with Trump in a week – the day before, the House passed for the first time a resolution limiting the president's war powers regarding Iran.
Republican leadership called for a vote against the bill, arguing that it is outdated and undermines negotiations between Congress and the White House over support for Ukraine.
The day before, the House of Representatives passed for the first time a resolution against the war with Iran – four Republicans joined Democrats in challenging the president.
On Thursday, June 4, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote an open letter to Putin proposing negotiations and a ceasefire along the front line. Trump reacted – he believes the parties need to compromise. The Kremlin promised to review the letter, but Putin has not yet responded.
