WASHINGTON, DC – In a bold move to accelerate US support for Ukraine, Democrat Congressman Gregory Meeks (D-NY), the ranking member on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, on Thursday filed a discharge petition for the Ukraine Support Act, a congressional bill that seeks aid for Kyiv and sanctions against Russia.
This rarely used parliamentary tactic aims to bypass Congressional leadership and directly force a vote on a comprehensive bill that is designed as a strong and comprehensive response to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
JOIN US ON TELEGRAM
Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official.
What’s in the “Ukraine Support Act”?
Introduced by Meeks in April, the Ukraine Support Act underscores unwavering US commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to the NATO alliance. It also includes provisions for post-war reconstruction and the appointment of a special coordinator to oversee these efforts.
It proposes security and reconstruction funding for Ukraine, including provisions for direct loans and military aid to strengthen its defensive capabilities and support for long-term rebuilding efforts.
The bill also aims to impose more severe economic penalties on Russia, specifically targeting its ability to fund its military. This includes extensive sanctions targeting Russia’s financial institutions, its crucial energy and mining sectors, and government officials.
Meeks believes his bill is “tougher on Russia, does more for Ukraine, and deals more effectively with our allies than any existing bill.”
Other Topics of Interest
Patriots Reassigned to Kyiv: US Redirects Swiss-Ordered Air Defense Systems to Ukraine
The US has reprioritized Swiss-ordered Patriot systems, redirecting them to Ukraine to bolster Kyiv’s air defenses amid escalating Russian attacks – signaling growing Western support.
Notably, it includes provisions that would allow Congress to override presidential actions to end existing sanctions without good reason, giving lawmakers more direct control over US policy towards Russia.
Why a Discharge Petition?
A discharge petition is a powerful tool allowing a bill to bypass the usual committee process and head straight to the House floor for a vote. It’s typically used when a bill has broad support but is being held up by committee chairs or the Speaker.
For Meeks’ petition to succeed, he’ll need 218 signatures from House members – a simple majority. If he gets them, the bill can then be brought up for a vote on specific legislative days.
Meeks’ decision highlights a growing frustration in Congress over the pace and perceived effectiveness of the US response to the war in Ukraine. He argues that delays have only emboldened Russia and prolonged the conflict.
“Every day this administration hesitates to apply real pressure on Russia and fails to support Ukraine is another day Ukrainian soldiers don’t get the tools they need to shoot down Russian missiles and drones targeting civilian infrastructure like hospitals, schools, and power plants,” Meeks said in a statement Thursday afternoon.
He acknowledged that the current administration seems to be realizing the true nature of Russia’s leader, but he emphasized that this recognition has come too late.
The urgency for this legislative push intensified following a deadly missile strike in Sumy on April 13, which killed 34 people and wounded 117, underscoring the ongoing human cost of the conflict.
The Road Ahead
For Meeks’ discharge petition to succeed, he will need to convince a few Republican members to sign on to reach the 218-signature threshold.
While challenging, this move sends a clear signal that a segment of Congress is ready to push for more aggressive action.
“I stand ready to work with anyone – Republican or Democrat – who wants to get serious about doing what must be done,” Meeks said, emphasizing his call for a united effort to put Ukraine in the “best possible position to succeed.”
The filing of this petition now puts direct pressure on every House member to take a public stand on the escalating conflict and the US response.
