Daijiworld Media Network – Washington
Washington, Jun 5: In a significant bipartisan move, the US House of Representatives has passed legislation providing additional assistance to Ukraine and imposing sanctions on key sectors of the Russian economy, despite opposition from Republican leaders aligned with President Donald Trump.
The bill, sponsored by Democratic Congressman Gregory Meeks, was approved by a 226-195 vote after supporters successfully used a discharge petition to bypass House leadership and bring the measure to the floor.
The legislation includes more than $1 billion in security and reconstruction assistance for Ukraine and makes an additional $8 billion available through defence-related loans. Supporters said the measure would strengthen Ukraine's position in any future negotiations with Russia.
"We all want this war to end, but Ukraine must negotiate from a position of strength," Meeks said during the debate.
The vote marks the second major instance this week in which the House has diverged from Trump's foreign policy approach. Most Republicans opposed the bill, arguing it was outdated and could interfere with ongoing negotiations between Congress and the White House on a broader Ukraine package.
However, a small group of Republicans joined Democrats in supporting the legislation. Congressman Don Bacon said the vote was about standing "with good over evil" in the face of Russia's continued aggression.
While the bill's future in the Senate remains uncertain, supporters hope its passage will increase pressure on lawmakers to take up Ukraine-related measures. Senate discussions have largely focused on separate legislation proposing sweeping sanctions on countries purchasing Russian energy exports.
The vote comes as the Russia-Ukraine war enters its fifth year, with peace efforts showing little progress and both sides continuing long-range attacks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has backed a ceasefire proposal supported by Trump, but Russian President Vladimir Putin has so far rejected the plan.
Since the start of the conflict, the United States has approved nearly $195 billion in assistance related to Ukraine, according to official figures.