Key facts
- House passed Ukraine aid bill with 226 votes to 195.
- Bill provides $1.3 billion in security assistance and $8 billion in direct loans to Ukraine.
- Bill imposes escalating sanctions on Russian financial institutions and energy companies.
- Bill levies a 500% tariff on Russian imports.
- 18 Republican lawmakers joined Democrats in passing the bill.
- Ilhan Omar was the only Democrat to vote against the bill.
The US House of Representatives has passed the Ukraine Support Act, a bill aimed at imposing new sanctions on Russia and expanding aid to Ukraine. The legislation, introduced by Representative Gregory Meeks, passed with 226 votes in favor and 195 against, with 18 Republican lawmakers breaking party ranks to support it. Representative Ilhan Omar was the sole Democrat to vote against the bill. The bill authorizes over $1 billion in emergency security and reconstruction funding and $8 billion in direct loans to Ukraine. It also mandates escalating sanctions on Russian financial institutions and energy companies, imposes a 500% tariff on Russian imports, and establishes a Ukraine Reconstruction Trust Fund. The bill advanced through a discharge petition, bypassing Republican leadership who reportedly urged opposition. Supporters framed it as vital for Ukraine's sovereignty, while opponents argued it would hinder peace efforts and constrain President Trump's negotiation abilities. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov dismissed Western sanctions as illegal and noted a lack of progress in peace talks.