House advances Democrat-backed Ukraine aid package with Republican support
10 reported
The House voted 218-204 on Wednesday to advance a Democrat-sponsored security package providing new military aid for Ukraine and imposing sanctions on Russia. All Democrats present voted in favor, joined by seven members of the House Republican conference, defying GOP leadership. The legislation would authorize over $1 billion in new military assistance, support Ukraine’s postwar reconstruction, and impose new sanctions on Russia. The measure now heads to a final vote expected as soon as Thursday, though its fate in the Republican-controlled Senate remains uncertain, and President Trump is expected to veto it if it reaches his desk. The vote followed a discharge petition signed by Democrats and a handful of Republicans to force consideration over the objections of House Speaker Mike Johnson.
What’s reported
The procedural vote passed 218-204 with all Democrats present voting yes.
Seven Republicans crossed party lines: Don Bacon (Neb.), Brian Fitzpatrick (Pa.), Mike Lawler (N.Y.), Michael McCaul (Texas), Max Miller (Ohio), Joe Wilson (S.C.), and independent Kevin Kiley (Calif.), who caucuses with Republicans.
The security package would reaffirm U.S. support for Ukraine and NATO, authorize more than $1 billion in new military assistance, support Ukraine’s postwar reconstruction, and impose new sanctions on Russia.
The measure is expected to pass final passage as soon as Thursday.
Its fate in the Republican-controlled Senate is uncertain; Trump is expected to veto it.
The discharge petition was signed by Fitzpatrick, Bacon, and Kiley.
Republican leadership opposed the measure, arguing it was poorly drafted and undermined the administration’s efforts to end the conflict.
The bill calls for NATO countries to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP prior to NATO’s Washington Summit, which occurred in July 2024.
The legislation mandates restoring funding for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty after the Trump administration sought to cut it in 2025; federal courts later ordered funding restored amid an ongoing legal battle.
The Russia-Ukraine war continues with no end in sight despite Trump’s vow to end it.
Key figures
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.
Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb.
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa.
Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y.
Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas
Rep. Max Miller, R-Ohio
Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C.
Rep. Kevin Kiley, I-Calif.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y.
Russian President Vladimir Putin
Sources: foxnews.com
