Representatives Don Bacon (NE-02), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), and Gregory Meeks (NY-5) have introduced the Peace Through Strength Against Russia Act of 2025. The bill, which has bipartisan support, aims to advance sanctions on Russia and is scheduled for consideration on the House Floor in January.
Other co-leads include Representatives Mike Turner (OH-10), Tom Suozzi (NY-3), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Steny Hoyer (MD-5), and Marcy Kaptur (OH-9). This coalition underscores a shared view in Congress that strong action is necessary as diplomatic efforts continue regarding Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.
Rep. Bacon stated, “Putin’s regime only responds to resolve and takes advantage of weakness and vacillation. During these failed negotiations, Russia has continued bombing Ukrainian cities with increasing intensity. We must play hardball by sending Ukraine the weapons it needs and imposing tough sanctions on Russia that cripple his war economy, an approach Americans overwhelmingly agree with. I’m pleased to join Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick in co-leading the bipartisan Peace Through Strength Against Russia Act to impose sanctions and other measures if Russia refuses to negotiate a peace agreement with Ukraine.”
Rep. Fitzpatrick commented, “Negotiations do not relieve Congress of its responsibility to act. That responsibility has been clear for some time, and waiting is no longer an option. Peace through strength is the discipline of negotiating from strength—of standing with Ukraine, making unmistakably clear that Russia’s campaign of aggression will not be normalized or rewarded, and affirming that America still enforces the rules that keep peace possible. This is not just about ending one war. It is about setting the rules for a world that is watching whether America still enforces them. I am grateful to be working hand in hand with Ranking Member Meeks to push any and all solutions forward to the House Floor, including the Ukraine Support Act. We can end this war. We can end Putin’s tyranny. And we must lead the American way—through peace, through strength.”
Rep. Meeks added, “Russia won’t negotiate an end to its war unless real pressure is applied on the Kremlin to stop its brutality. I’m proud to have worked with Rep. Fitzpatrick on a compromise Russia sanctions bill that would impose real costs on Russia and those fueling its war effort, while avoiding further harmful global tariffs. I thank Rep. Fitzpatrick for also signing my discharge petition for the Ukraine Support Act, helping work towards both measures reaching the House floor for a vote. There is strong bipartisan support for Ukraine in the House, and this agreement makes clear that Russia cannot wait it out or continue its war of aggression without facing significant consequences.”
HFAC Subcommittee on Europe Ranking Member Keating said, “The only viable path to peace in Ukraine is putting pressure on the Kremlin. It is beyond important that both sides of the aisle have come together on compromise legislation to impose strong sanctions on Russia for its illegal war of aggression as well as to take additional steps to move the bipartisan discharge petition for the Ukraine Support Act forward in the House… The Kremlin must also know that we will not rest until a durable Ukraine-supported peace deal is achieved.”
Rep. Turner remarked, “We must take firm action against the Russian Federation… It’s time for diplomacy.”
Rep. Lawler stated: “Russia’s unprovoked war against Ukraine is a direct assault on sovereignty, democracy, and the international rules-based order… Peace will only come when Russia understands that continued violence carries real costs.”
According to Rep. Suozzi: “Peace through strength means standing up to dictators through actions, not just words… The Peace Through Strength Against Russia Act does exactly that by cracking down on those responsible for kidnapping Ukrainian children… I’m proud to stand with my colleagues…”
Rep Kaptur said: “Through force, Dictator Putin aspires to rewrite … democratic practice across [Europe]… With this new bipartisan bill we are putting forward … significant legislation introduced this Congress…”
The proposed legislation builds upon previous efforts since 2022 led by Rep. Fitzpatrick aimed at forcing meaningful negotiations between parties involved in conflict.
Key provisions include mandatory sanctions targeting senior Russian officials; blocking access by Russian financial institutions; banning U.S investments; targeting sectors such as energy; closing loopholes supporting Russian economic activity; increasing duties up to 500 percent on goods imported from Russia; imposing penalties related specifically both general aggression toward Ukraine as well as specific incidents like wrongful deportation or cooperation with North Korea.
Sanctions could be lifted if there were a peace agreement accepted by Ukraine along with full cessation of hostilities—subjected also congressional review.
Don Bacon has served Nebraska’s 2nd District in Congress since 2017 after replacing Brad Ashford (source). He was born in Momence, Illinois in 1963 and currently lives in Papillion.
The sponsors plan further advocacy before January so that Congress may align diplomatic negotiations with legislative action.
