The successful legislative maneuver revives a long-stalled funding package, dealing a significant blow to the House Speaker as he struggles to manage a deeply divided party.
Representative Kevin Kiley's signature on the so-called discharge petition proved decisive. This mechanism allows rank-and-file lawmakers to bring a document to the floor of the House of Representatives without the consent of its leadership.
The bill in question was earlier introduced by New York Congressman Gregory Meeks. The document could not be advanced for several months because its supporters lacked a single vote.
The success of the petition was a blow to the position of House Speaker Mike Johnson, who is finding it increasingly difficult to maintain control over the Republican majority.
The bill provides for the allocation of $1.3 billion in security assistance to Ukraine. In addition, the document allows for up to $8 billion in additional support in the form of direct loans.
The initiative also includes funding to replenish American weapons stockpiles, the creation of mechanisms for Ukraine's post-war reconstruction, and the introduction of new sanctions against Russia and entities that support its war.
At the same time, the chances of the bill passing remain low for now due to resistance from a faction of Republicans and the position of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Kevin Kiley explained his support for the document by citing the need to strengthen diplomatic positions.
"Recent Ukrainian gains have created an opportunity for peace, but the failure of the recent ceasefire shows that leverage is needed for diplomacy to succeed," he stated.
U.S. media noted that a discharge petition is one of the most complex procedures in the House of Representatives. It is rarely used because it effectively allows lawmakers to bypass the chamber's leadership. Here, in short, Johnson was subjected to a political bypass maneuver without a turn signal.
Amid discussions about supporting Kyiv, Gregory Meeks previously criticized the White House for placing insufficient pressure on Russia. According to him, every day of delay means that the Ukrainian military does not receive the necessary tools for defense.