Last-Minute Push for Russia Sanctions Bill
Ukrainian advocates mounted a last-minute lobbying push on Capitol Hill, working to sway undecided lawmakers and build support for the Russia sanctions bill, which ultimately passed the House 262-159.
The American Coalition for Ukraine (ACU) held its fall Ukraine Action Summit as the House prepared to vote on the Russia sanctions bill. Advocates met with lawmakers in a final push to secure their support before the vote. In the Senate, the bill, renamed after Sen. Lindsey Graham, received an overwhelming bipartisan vote. However, House Democrats were hesitant, raising concerns about the bill's tariff provisions, which they believed granted President Trump excessive authority.
Despite this, most House Republicans were ready to support the bill, encouraging Ukrainian American advocates to focus on persuading skeptical Democrats. A month-long ACU advocacy campaign succeeded in building support among House Democrats, who acknowledged the bill's potential to intensify economic pressure on Russia. However, with only four days until the recess, House Democrats caused a procedural hurdle by demanding a vote to adopt a rule allowing the bill to reach the floor.
The House narrowly approved the rule on September 15, with Democrats Reps. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Jared Golden joining Republicans in supporting the measure. The final vote on the sanctions bill took place the following day, with advocates securing the one-vote margin needed for passage.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
