The US House of Representatives has passed legislation providing $1bn in security and reconstruction aid to Ukraine, along with $8bn in defence loans, despite strong opposition from Republican leaders. The bill, sponsored by Democrat Gregory Meeks, also imposes sanctions on key sectors of the Russian economy. It passed by a vote of 226 to 195, reflecting growing impatience with President Donald Trump's approach to the conflict.
Supporters forced the vote by gathering 218 signatures on a discharge petition, a procedural tool that bypasses House leadership. This is the second major foreign policy rebuke to Trump this week, following the House's approval of a war powers resolution to limit US military action against Iran. Representative Meeks argued the bill would help Ukraine negotiate from a position of strength, saying: 'Will we abandon Ukraine and force it into a terrible deal? That is what Vladimir Putin is counting on.'
Most Republicans opposed the measure. Representative French Hill, chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, called it a flawed and outdated bill that provides less funding than previously agreed. Representative Brian Mast, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, described it as 'a cudgel to fight against President Trump'. However, 18 Republicans joined Democrats and one independent in voting yes. Democrat Ilhan Omar voted against the bill alongside 194 Republicans.
Supporters hope the House vote will pressure the Senate to act, but acknowledge it is unlikely to pass without Trump's endorsement. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican who voted for the bill, said: 'It's probably not going to get 60 votes in the Senate, but it's going to hopefully force the Senate to address the issue.' He added that the vote sends a message to Putin that 'we do have a pulse here, that we do care about Ukraine'.
The US has already approved around $195bn for the Ukraine response since the war began, with the last major legislation passed in April 2024. Republican leaders urged members to oppose the bill, warning it could undermine ongoing negotiations for a more comprehensive package. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said those talks were complicated but could yield positive results.
