House Democrats on Wednesday secured the 218 signatures needed to bypass Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and force a vote on a package of Russia sanctions and billions in Ukraine aid. The discharge petition, introduced by Rep. Greg Meeks (D-N.Y.), reached the threshold after Rep. Kevin Kiley (I-Calif.) signed on.
This marks the eighth discharge petition in three years used to sidestep GOP leadership, and the sixth in the 119th Congress alone. Previous successful petitions covered issues from proxy voting to releasing the Epstein files to extending Affordable Care Act tax credits.
All 215 House Democrats signed the petition, joined by Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) and Don Bacon (R-Neb.), both staunch Ukraine supporters. The vote is expected after Memorial Day, though no exact date has been set.
"Recent Ukrainian gains have created an opportunity for peace," one lawmaker noted, though the full quote was not provided in available sources. The bill includes both new sanctions on Russia and funding for Ukraine's defense efforts.
Critics argue the discharge process undermines leadership authority and risks escalating tensions with Russia without clear exit strategy. The outcome remains uncertain given the chamber's narrow margins and ongoing debate over foreign aid priorities.