GOP’s Bacon says he would back a discharge petition on legislation mandating Russian sanctions
The Hill
by Sudiksha KochiFebruary 19, 2026
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Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) has indicated his support for a discharge petition that would bring legislation mandating Russian sanctions to the floor of the House for a vote. In an interview with *The Hill*, Bacon expressed his disagreement with President Trump’s approach to Ukraine, stating that Trump has been “wrong” on the issue. He and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) are exploring the possibility of introducing the discharge petition as early as next week. This move would allow members of Congress to force a vote on legislation that has stalled in committee, bypassing traditional procedural hurdles.
A discharge petition requires 218 signatures—representing a majority of the House—to be successful. If Bacon and Fitzpatrick gather enough support, it could signal growing bipartisan frustration with the administration’s handling of Russia and Ukraine. The proposed bill would impose additional sanctions on Russian entities involved in activities harmful to U.S. interests, aligning with a broader push from lawmakers who view Trump’s approach as insufficiently robust against Moscow.
This development highlights the ongoing tensions within the Republican Party over foreign policy. While some members, including Bacon, argue for stronger measures against Russia, others remain aligned with the White House’s stance. The discharge petition could serve as a test of whether Congress is willing to challenge Trump on this issue, potentially setting a precedent for future legislative actions aimed at curbing Russian influence.
For readers interested in politics, this story underscores the delicate balance of power between the executive and legislative branches. It also reflects the broader debate over U.S. strategy toward Russia and Ukraine, a topic that continues to divide opinions both within Congress and among the American public. By taking this stance, Bacon is signaling his commitment to holding the administration accountable, even if it means going against party leadership. The outcome of this effort could have significant implications for U.S
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Originally published on The Hill on 2/19/2026