US House passes almost $2 billion in Ukraine aid and new Russia sanctions over GOP leadership opposition
Ukraine moves closer to almost 2 billion dollars in new US aid: the House passed an aid and Russia sanctions package 226-195, with 18 Republicans joining Democrats against their own leadership. The bill targets Russian oil and banking. Next test: 60 votes needed in the Senate.
Ukraine could receive almost 2 billion dollars in new US aid after a rare congressional revolt against party leadership. The House passed an aid and sanctions package on Thursday by a 226-195 vote, sending it to the Senate, as reported by PBS, CNN and ABC News. The mechanics matter here. GOP leadership opposed the bill, so supporters used a discharge petition: a tool that forces a floor vote once 218 members sign on. Eighteen Republicans joined Democrats to pass the measure, while a single Democrat, Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, voted against it. The package combines military support for Ukraine with new sanctions on Russia's oil and banking sectors. According to CNN, it marks the House's second major foreign policy break with President Trump this week. The path forward is steeper in the Senate, where 60 votes are required before the bill could reach the President's desk. The Senate timetable and the size of any Republican crossover there are the open questions.