House Passes Ukraine Aid in Defiance of Republican Leaders - The New …

House Approves Legislation on Ukraine Loans and Sanctions

The House of Representatives voted on Thursday to pass a bill providing $8 billion in loans to Ukraine along with $1.8 billion for military and security assistance, while also expanding sanctions on Russian-linked entities. The measure received 226 votes in favor and 195 against, with 18 Republicans joining Democrats in support.

The legislation targets Russian businesses and officials connected to the war economy and extends penalties to foreign companies or individuals that assist in sanctions evasion. It now moves to the Senate, where similar proposals have faced resistance. Even if approved by both chambers, the bill would require presidential signature, and past statements indicate the president has opposed measures limiting executive flexibility in foreign policy negotiations.

The bill originated in April 2025 under the sponsorship of Representative Gregory W. Meeks, ranking Democrat on the Foreign Affairs Committee. Republican leadership declined to advance it through committee, and Speaker Mike Johnson did not schedule floor consideration. Supporters then used a discharge petition requiring signatures from a majority of House members. All Democrats signed, along with Representative Kevin Kiley of California, who caucuses with Republicans, and earlier support from Representatives Don Bacon of Nebraska and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania. The petition secured enough signatures last month to force the vote.

During floor debate, backers described the loans as aligning with preferences for repayable assistance rather than grants. Representative Bacon stated that the choice involved standing with certain principles over others. Representative Meeks said the vote conveyed continued congressional interest in Ukraine maintaining its institutions and territorial integrity.

Opponents argued the provisions could restrict options for ending the conflict. Representative Keith Self of Texas said support for the bill indicated a lack of interest in negotiated outcomes and could extend hostilities. Representative Zach Nunn of Iowa, whose separate sanctions measure advanced from the Financial Services Committee last summer, voted against the bill. He cited requirements for NATO members to allocate 2 percent of gross domestic product to defense, noting that alliance statements have referenced higher future targets of 5 percent by 2035. Mr. Nunn described the legislation as containing a tactical shortcoming and stated that alternative approaches existed.

The vote followed another instance earlier in the week in which some Republicans supported a war powers resolution concerning U.S. involvement in Iran. That measure also sought to require congressional approval for continued operations.

President Trump, speaking from the Oval Office, welcomed an open letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky proposing direct discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He indicated U.S. involvement in encouraging the communication. The president has previously expressed interest in direct negotiations to conclude the conflict.

The sanctions section applies to entities attempting to circumvent existing restrictions on Russian oil, technology, and financial transactions. It does not alter current executive branch authority over sanctions implementation but adds statutory requirements for reporting and enforcement actions.

Lawmakers supporting the bill pointed to the loan structure as reducing net fiscal impact compared with prior grant-based packages. Those opposing it noted that repayment terms depend on Ukraine’s postwar economic recovery and that enforcement of sanctions on third-country actors has historically required coordination with European and Asian partners.

The measure does not include new appropriations beyond the specified amounts and does not alter existing military aid delivery mechanisms already authorized under prior legislation. Senate consideration is expected to determine whether additional amendments addressing NATO spending levels or negotiation timelines will be offered.

Robert Jimison covers Congress for The Times, with a focus on defense issues and foreign policy.