In a direct challenge to President Trump's Ukraine policy, the House voted 218-204 on Wednesday to advance a procedural motion for the Ukraine Support Act, an $8 billion military financing package that defies the White House's withdrawal of support for Kyiv. Six Republicans crossed party lines to join Democrats, delivering a clear rebuke to Trump's handling of Russia's war.
The bill, authored by Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, had languished since April 2025 as Republicans followed Trump's directive to halt additional aid. The president has repeatedly characterized U.S. support as wasteful and pursued unsuccessful efforts to persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the conflict.
The Ukraine Support Act provides $8 billion in military financing loans to Kyiv, extends the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) through 2027—allowing direct weapons transfers from Pentagon stockpiles—and imposes additional sanctions on Russia. The procedural vote clears the way for a full floor vote on the bill.
Rep. Meeks filed a discharge petition in July to force the vote after months of inaction. The petition gained momentum in May when California Rep. Kevin Kiley, a Republican turned Independent after redistricting, became the 218th signature. Only two Republicans—Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (Pa.) and Don Bacon (Neb.)—signed the petition, as other hawkish GOP lawmakers hesitated to defy Trump or Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.).
“It's between Ukraine or Putin, I choose Ukraine,” Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) said when asked about his vote. But Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) opposed the discharge petition on principle, telling The Hill, “I don't believe in discharge petitions, except when we were on the outs.”
Critics note the bill's text is outdated: it allocates less for USAI than the $400 million in the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act and calls for NATO members to spend 2% of GDP on defense, while current pledges have risen to 5%. “Anyone voting for this is saying Ukraine should have $100 million less funding and NATO countries should spend 2% rather than 5%,” a senior House GOP source said. Supporters argue the Senate can fix discrepancies, but Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) is unlikely to bring the bill up against Trump's wishes.
The vote sends a strong signal as Russia escalates attacks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has pleaded for Patriot interceptors, telling CBS on May 29, “We don't have anti-ballistic” defenses. Overnight Monday, Russia launched 73 missiles and 656 drones, killing 28 and injuring over 100. Between May 25 and Monday, Russia deployed 2,300 attack drones, 1,560 guided bombs, and 108 missiles.
Rep. Bacon posted on X, “Congress must get on the right side of history & support a democracy... This is our Churchill vs Chamberlain moment.” The vote underscores growing congressional frustration with Trump's approach, echoing earlier defiance on issues like the Iran conflict resolution and the immigration bill revolt.
