Reaffirming the United States unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity as Russia's illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine hits its third year.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 155
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-24: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-11T08:07:15Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 155) aims to reaffirm the United States' strong support for Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity amid the third year of Russia's full-scale invasion, which began on February 24, 2022. It condemns Russia's actions as illegal aggression and highlights Ukraine's resilience while calling for accountability and a just peace process.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes a series of "Whereas" clauses providing context on the invasion's impacts, followed by a "Resolved" section with seven main directives for the House of Representatives:
- Inclusion in discussions: Recognizes that any talks about Ukraine's future must involve Ukraine itself.
- Condemnation of Russia: Strongly denounces Russia's war crimes, destruction of Ukrainian society, and violations of international law (e.g., targeting civilians, infrastructure, and cultural identity).
- Reaffirmation of U.S. commitment: Reiterates U.S. support for Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and borders as recognized internationally.
- Demand for Russian withdrawal: Calls for the immediate and full exit of Russian forces from all Ukrainian territory, including Crimea and the Donbas region (eastern Ukraine), and insists that negotiations prioritize Ukraine's sovereignty over Russian demands.
- Return of kidnapped children: Urges global institutions to secure the safe return of at least 19,000 Ukrainian children forcibly taken to Russia, labeling this as a war crime and act of genocide under international law.
- Support for prosecutions: Backs legal actions against Russian President Vladimir Putin and key leaders for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.
- Conditions for peace: Emphasizes that any lasting peace agreement must involve Ukraine and U.S. European allies in negotiations.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, meaning it expresses the House's position but does not create, amend, or repeal any laws. It introduces no statutory changes and serves primarily as a symbolic statement rather than enforceable policy.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: May influence the U.S. State Department and other executive branch entities in shaping foreign aid, sanctions, and diplomatic efforts toward Ukraine, though it lacks binding authority.
- On citizens: Ukrainian citizens, particularly those affected by the war (e.g., families of kidnapped children), could see indirect benefits through heightened international pressure for accountability and aid. U.S. citizens may experience broader effects via global stability, such as impacts on food prices from disrupted Ukrainian agriculture.
- On international relations: Strengthens U.S. alignment with NATO, the European Union, and allies in supporting Ukraine, potentially deterring aggression from authoritarian states. It could escalate tensions with Russia by reinforcing calls for prosecutions and withdrawal, while promoting global norms against territorial conquest.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Ukraine and its people: Primary beneficiaries, as the resolution bolsters international backing for their defense, child repatriation, and self-determination.
- Russia and its leadership: Directly targeted through condemnations and calls for legal accountability, which could isolate Russia further diplomatically and economically.
- U.S. Congress and executive branch: Sponsors (bipartisan group including Democrats and Republicans) signal unified congressional stance, potentially guiding future funding or policy debates.
- International bodies: United Nations, International Criminal Court, and human rights organizations are urged to act on war crimes and child returns.
- Allied nations: NATO and EU countries are highlighted as partners in peace efforts, affecting collaborative security strategies.
- Global community: Broader stakeholders include those impacted by war-related humanitarian crises, such as disruptions to food supplies and refugee flows.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: References international law (e.g., war crimes defined as serious violations like targeting civilians or forced deportations) and supports mechanisms like the International Criminal Court for prosecutions, but it has no domestic legal force.
- Constitutional: As a House resolution, it exercises Congress's advisory role in foreign affairs (under Article I of the U.S. Constitution), complementing the president's executive powers, though it cannot override executive decisions on diplomacy or military aid.
- Political: Demonstrates rare bipartisan consensus on foreign policy (evident from diverse sponsors), potentially pressuring the administration to maintain or increase support for Ukraine. It underscores U.S. commitment to democratic principles against authoritarian expansion, influencing public opinion and electoral debates on international involvement.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Meeks, Gregory W. [D-NY-5]
Cosponsors (36)
Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Keating, William R. [D-MA-9], Rep. Hoyer, Steny H. [D-MD-5], Rep. Kaptur, Marcy [D-OH-9], Rep. Boyle, Brendan F. [D-PA-2], Rep. Dean, Madeleine [D-PA-4], Rep. Crow, Jason [D-CO-6], Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21], Rep. Kamlager-Dove, Sydney [D-CA-37], Rep. Amo, Gabe [D-RI-1], Rep. Auchincloss, Jake [D-MA-4], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large], Rep. Lynch, Stephen F. [D-MA-8], Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Houlahan, Chrissy [D-PA-6], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-12], Rep. Ansari, Yassamin [D-AZ-3], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3], Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2], Rep. Sorensen, Eric [D-IL-17], Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36], Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1], Rep. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ-8], Rep. Dexter, Maxine [D-OR-3], Rep. Johnson, Julie [D-TX-32], Rep. Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-37], Rep. Goodlander, Maggie [D-NH-2], Rep. Cisneros, Gilbert Ray, Jr. [D-CA-31], Rep. Vindman, Eugene [D-VA-7], Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1], Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1], Rep. Schneider, Bradley Scott [D-IL-10], Rep. Randall, Emily [D-WA-6]
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-24: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 2025-02-24: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Reaffirming the United States unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity as Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine hits its third year. — issued 2025-02-24 — PDF (4 pages)