Congressman Vindman: If Democrats Win the Majority, Trump Will Have to Negotiate With Us
US Congressman Jungeon Vindman said in an interview he expects Congress to pass a new Russia sanctions bill and that a likely Democratic majority after the midterms would strengthen support for Ukraine. He warned that a continued Republican majority would be bad news for Ukraine and its allies.
Congressman Jungeon Vindman, a Kyiv-born Democrat who grew up in the United States, said in an interview he hopes the House of Representatives will take up a new Russia sanctions bill during its final pre-election session week. The bill, named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham, already passed the Senate 86 votes to a handful, but has stalled in the House.
Vindman explained that opposition is not tied to Ukraine itself but to provisions concerning the president's authority to set tariffs, as well as a broader lack of trust in the president among some lawmakers. Still, he said support for Ukraine in Congress remains broad and bipartisan, and he intends to vote for the bill and push for its passage. If the House fails to act this week, the bill could still be taken up after the midterm elections, before the current Congress's term ends.
Why the elections matter
Vindman expressed confidence that bipartisan support for Ukraine will continue after the midterms, noting that roughly 75% of House members regularly vote for Ukraine-related legislation. A Democratic majority in either chamber would give the party power to convene hearings, summon officials, and pressure the administration to disburse already-approved but undelivered aid — including $400 million allocated last year that the government has still not paid out.
He described President Trump as highly “transactional,” meaning a Democratic majority would force him to negotiate with Congress. Vindman said a continued Republican majority in both chambers would be bad for Ukraine and US allies, pointing to what he called the record of the past 20 months.
On NATO, Vindman said there is bipartisan support for maintaining a US presence in Europe based on mission needs rather than political considerations. Regarding international prosecution of Russian war crimes, he noted such processes historically take decades, but stressed the importance of gathering evidence now so perpetrators can eventually be held accountable.
