The U.S. House of Representatives voted 226 to 195 to pass a bill supporting Ukraine and increasing sanctions on Russia, despite opposition from the Republican leader. This bill is the latest sign of dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump's approach to managing the Ukraine war and could increase pressure on the Senate to consider the issue further.
The U.S. House approved the "Ukraine Support Act" with a 226 to 195 vote. The bill was introduced by Representative Gregory Meeks of the Democratic Party and primarily allocates over $1 billion for security assistance and reconstruction aid, along with an $8 billion loan guarantee for national defense.
This vote received backing from 18 Republican representatives and one independent who broke with party lines and President Trump's policy by using a special procedure called a "Discharge Petition" to bring the long-pending bill up for consideration without approval from the House majority leader.
Representative Meeks, the bill's sponsor, said this vote proves the U.S. will stand with Ukraine to strengthen its negotiating position or else allow Russia to win this psychological war. Meanwhile, Republican Representative Don Bacon, who voted in favor, stated, "This is a choice between good and evil."
This move came just one day after the House passed a bill limiting war powers to prevent military action against Iran. It marks a clear rift within the Republican Party over Trump's foreign policy since his return to the White House in January 2025.
Supporters see this as a strong signal to Ukrainian troops and Vladimir Putin, but many Republican leaders disagree. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise warned that passing the bill would undermine ongoing negotiations between Congress and the White House.
Brian Mast, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, called the bill merely a "political weapon" aimed at attacking Trump, noting it is outdated since it was drafted a year and a half ago. Some representatives also worry the measures could prompt certain NATO members to reduce their defense budgets.
Currently, the Ukraine war has entered its fifth year, with both sides continuing missile attacks. Although President Volodymyr Zelensky accepted a ceasefire proposal from Trump, Vladimir Putin rejected it and insisted Ukraine cede territories Russia controls.
However, the bill's future remains uncertain as it must pass the Senate, where Republican leaders have said they will wait for Trump's input. If it passes, President Trump is expected to veto the bill.
Meanwhile, the European Union has moved in the opposite direction by beginning negotiations to admit Ukraine as a member and approving over €90 billion in loans for defense and economic aid earlier this week.