New Delhi, May 15 -- Supporters of a bill to aid Ukraine and sanction Russia reached a critical threshold on Wednesday that allows them to bypass Republican leadership and force a vote on the House floor in the coming weeks.

The legislation seeks to cement U.S. assistance for Ukraine by approving more than $1 billion in security aid and making another $8 billion available in the form of loans. Supporters have been calling on President Donald Trump to act more forcefully to deter Russia and boost Ukraine.

Lawmaking gained 218 signatures on a petition from Democratic Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York that will force a House vote. While the measure is unlikely to become law, the vote will put lawmakers on record concerning their support for U...