WASHINGTON – The House of Representatives approved legislation Thursday that would deliver assistance to Ukraine and establish additional sanctions against Russia, marking another instance where some Republican lawmakers have chosen to oppose their party’s leadership and challenge President Donald Trump’s position.
Lawmakers voted 226 to 195 in favor of the Ukraine Support Act, which had been stalled for several months before reaching the floor. A small number of Republicans joined with Democrats to sign a discharge petition that forced the legislation to a vote.
During Thursday’s vote, 18 Republicans and one independent who typically sides with them voted alongside Democrats to approve the measure. The vote represents another indication of fractures within what had previously been nearly universal Republican backing for Trump’s policy positions.
The vote occurred one day after a smaller contingent of House Republicans sided with Democrats to approve a resolution requiring troop withdrawal from conflicts with Iran unless Congress formally declares war or authorizes military action.
The Ukraine Support Act faces an unclear path forward, however. The legislation must gain approval in the Senate to become law, but Republican Senate leaders have blocked votes on Russia sanctions measures that enjoy broad bipartisan backing, stating they would await Trump’s direction.
Should the Senate approve the bill, Trump would likely veto the legislation.
Although lawmakers from both parties demonstrated strong support for Ukraine during the initial period following Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, some of Trump’s closest Republican supporters – including House and Senate leadership – have become less supportive of Kyiv since Trump began his second term in January 2025.
The president has also maintained control over sanctions decisions within the White House rather than Congress since beginning his second term.
American assistance to the Kyiv government has decreased significantly even as Russia and Ukraine continue exchanging attacks using missiles, drones and artillery. Diplomatic efforts remain deadlocked, with Ukraine refusing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s demands to surrender territory it has successfully protected since 2022.
The Ukraine Support Act contains provisions to assist Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction efforts, authorizes more than $1 billion in direct assistance for Kyiv, and provides up to $8 billion in support through direct loans.
The legislation also establishes strict sanctions and export restrictions targeting Russia, including measures affecting financial institutions, oil and mining sectors, and Russian government officials.
