WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Democrats secured enough signatures to force a floor vote on legislation that would provide new aid for Ukraine. The measure has been stalled for months as supporters were short by just one signature. An advocate for Ukraine explains why this legislation is critical as Ukraine continues to defend against Russia’s attacks.
Search and rescue crews work to comb through the rubble of a residential building complex on Thursday following another Russian strike on Kyiv, Ukraine.
The State Emergency Service of Ukraine keeps announced the death toll continues to rise from that attack. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia used more than 1,560 drones in the latest attack, making it the largest aerial attack on Ukraine in a two-day period since the war began.
“This is another reminder that Russia must be forced to pursue real peace efforts,” said Ostap Yarysh, media advisor for Razom for Ukraine, an organization that advocates for Ukraine. “Putin will not stop, not engage in meaningful conversations until unless he is forced.”
Just before that attack, the House secured enough signatures on a discharge petition to force a floor vote on the Ukraine Support Act. It would authorize $1.3-billion dollars in security assistance for Ukraine and up to eight billion more in additional support through loans.
“It also imposes additional sanctions on Russia,” added Yarysh. “It raises the cost for the Russian regime supporting Iran and other US adversaries and it also supports diplomatically the mission of the First Lady Melania Trump to help rescue the children who have been abducted by Russia.”
One Independent and two Republicans signed the discharge petition to force a floor vote. The success of gaining enough support comes at a time the US has shifted it’s focus to the war with Iran. Yarysh said this legislation is one of the best tools to secure a peace deal for Ukraine.
“We know that diplomacy only works when it’s backed by strength and real political leverage and I think this bill, the underlying bill the Ukraine Support Act provides Washington exactly that,” said Yarysh. “Congress can play a vital role in demanding a more robust policy from the administration but also in pressuring us adversaries and show them the United States will stand with their allies, will stand with liberty and not turn a blind eye on atrocities and crimes that are happening.”
We could expect the House to vote on this measure by the end of the month.
