Hoyer Statement on Recent Legislation to Support Ukraine, Impose Sanctions on Russia

August 12, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement regarding the legislative vehicles to support Ukraine in its war against Russia, the Ukraine Support Act and the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 : “Right now, Ukrainians are fighting bravely on the front lines of a war not only for the survival of their independent nation but for the future of democracy and respect for international law. “At present, there are two main legislative vehicles for continuing to deliver American support for Ukraine in its fight for freedom and self determination. One is the Ukraine Support Act, cosponsored by Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Gregory Meeks, and myself. That bill was discharged from the Foreign Affairs Committee and passed with bipartisan support through the House. “The second bill is the Graham-Blumenthal sanctions package in the Senate. That bill has now passed the Senate, and former Chairman McCaul and I and others have cosponsored a companion to the Senate-passed bill. I would support an amendment to our bill consistent with the views of Ranking Member Meeks and Ranking Member Neal, which would make it clear that the President’s tariff authority is limited to the nations currently deemed to be affected by the Senate formula. “The Ukraine Support Act authorizes up to $8 billion for Ukraine’s military in FY26 and extends lend-lease authority for Ukraine and Baltic partners through FY28. It also includes sanctions aimed at Russian financial firms, oil companies, and Putin allies. The sanctions bill would deprive Putin of the revenues needed to carry on his illegal war of conquest, imposing some of the most punishing sanctions ever on the drivers of Russia’s war engine. “The threat posed by Putin, sowing global instability, kidnapping children, and targeting civilians, demands comprehensive and resolute action. Each of these bills on its own would be a significant blow to Russian aggression. But together they have the potential to accelerate the shift in momentum we are already seeing on the battlefield and help Ukraine achieve the victory it has long sought and must win. Both bills ought to become law.”