U.S. lawmakers bypassed Johnson's veto to consider aid to Ukraine
A bill on a new aid package for Ukraine has secured the required 218 signatures for consideration in the U.S. House of Representatives, despite attempts by Speaker Mike Johnson to block it. The bill’s progress now hinges directly on the stance of Republicans and the decision of Donald Trump, whose support could be decisive for the bill’s passage.
This was reported with reference to a publication in The New York Times.
Congress has gathered the required number of signatures
Congressman Kevin Kiley supported the so-called discharge petition, which allows the document to be brought before the House of Representatives, bypassing Republican leadership.
After his signature, the initiative received the minimum support required to initiate the voting process.
This refers to a bill previously introduced by New York Congressman Gregory Meeks.
For several months, the bill had stalled because supporters were one vote short.
The petition’s success also dealt a blow to House Speaker Mike Johnson, who is finding it increasingly difficult to maintain control over the Republican majority due to internal party divisions.
What the new aid package entails
Congressman Gregory Meeks proposed allocating $1.3 billion in security assistance to Ukraine.
In addition, the bill provides for the possibility of up to $8 billion in additional support in the form of direct loans.
The initiative also provides for funding to replenish U.S. weapons stocks, the creation of mechanisms for Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction, and the imposition of new sanctions against Russia and entities supporting Russian military operations.
Republicans Oppose
As U.S. lawmakers note, the chances of the bill passing remain low for now due to resistance from Republicans and President Donald Trump’s stance.
At the same time, Congressman Kevin Kiley explained his decision to support the initiative by the need to strengthen diplomatic leverage.
He stated: “Recent Ukrainian achievements have created an opportunity for peace, but the failure of the recent ceasefire shows that diplomatic success requires leverage.”
The Ukraine issue has deepened the rift in the House of Representatives
U.S. media outlets note that invoking the recall petition is considered one of the most complex procedures in the House of Representatives, as it allows rank-and-file lawmakers to bypass the House leadership.
Amid ongoing debates over support for Kyiv, Congressman Gregory Meeks previously criticized the White House for not putting enough pressure on Russia.
In his words, “every day that the administration hesitates to exert real pressure on Russia and fails to support Ukraine is another day when Ukrainian soldiers do not receive the tools they need.”
U.S. congressmen presented the Russian delegation with socks featuring Trump.
Members of the Russian State Duma arrived in the U.S. for the first time since 2022 at the invitation of Republican Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury removed two Russian citizens, as well as a number of foreign individuals and a company, from its sanctions lists.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury also removed several individuals and entities from the sanctions list who had previously been subject to restrictions due to activities related to Russia. The reasons for this decision are currently being clarified.
