House Republicans Threaten to Force Russia Sanctions Vote

GOP lawmakers give leadership 'one last chance' to hold vote on Russia sanctions bill

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A pair of House Republicans, Reps. Don Bacon and Brian Fitzpatrick, are threatening to mount an effort to force a chamber-wide vote on sanctioning Russia for its war in Ukraine. The lawmakers say they will submit a discharge petition this week to bypass House leadership and bring Fitzpatrick's sanctions bill directly to the floor for a vote, after months of inaction from Congress and the White House on the issue.

Why it matters

The push for Russia sanctions has been a contentious issue, with the House, Senate and White House at odds over the process. This move by Bacon and Fitzpatrick highlights the growing frustration among some Republicans with the lack of action, as they believe the U.S. needs to take a stronger stance against Russia's aggression in Ukraine.

The details

Fitzpatrick introduced a bill in December that would sanction Russia if it refuses to negotiate a peace agreement with Ukraine or violates any existing peace deal. Bacon and Fitzpatrick are now giving House GOP leaders 'one last chance' to hold a vote on the measure before they attempt to force a vote through a discharge petition, which requires signatures from a majority of House members. The lawmakers believe sanctions are necessary to significantly hamstring Russia's war machine, as the Trump administration's actions so far have been insufficient.

  • Fitzpatrick's sanctions bill 'ripens' this coming week, allowing Bacon and Fitzpatrick to submit a discharge petition on Monday or Tuesday.
  • Bacon and Fitzpatrick are giving House GOP leaders 'one last chance' to hold a vote on the Russia sanctions bill.

The players

Don Bacon

A Republican Congressman from Nebraska who is pushing for a vote on Russia sanctions.

Brian Fitzpatrick

A Republican Congressman who introduced a bill in December aimed at sanctioning Russia for its war in Ukraine.

Mike Johnson

The Republican Speaker of the House, who has said he supports sanctioning Russia but believes any sanctions bill must originate in the Senate.

John Thune

The Republican Senate Majority Leader, who has said the process for Russia sanctions must start in the House.

Richard Blumenthal

A Democratic Senator from Connecticut who is leading the sanctions effort in the Senate.

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What they’re saying

“Someday in the history books, it's going to read which leaders stood up, which ones were [Winston Churchills] and which ones were [Neville Chamberlains]. Chamberlain gave away land in Czechoslovakia to appease Hitler. And Hitler said all he wanted was the Sudetenland, and then a year later, he invaded the rest of Czechoslovakia. Then a year later he invaded Poland.”

— Don Bacon, Congressman (Fox News Digital)

“We've got to know a bad guy when we see one, and [Russian President Vladimir Putin] is a bad guy. He's made clear, it's not just about Ukraine. He wants to regain the rest of what the Soviet Union had. And so history is being written, and I want to be on the right side. I hope every Republican does.”

— Don Bacon, Congressman (Fox News Digital)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.