Summary of HRES 438

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HRES 438

Title: Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2548) to impose sanctions and other measures with respect to the Russian Federation if the Government of the Russian Federation refuses to negotiate a peace agreement with Ukraine, violates any such agreement, or initiates another military invasion of Ukraine, and for other purposes.

Status: Submitted in House

Introduced: May 21, 2025

Classification: Resolution

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HRES 438 is to facilitate the consideration of H.R. 2548, a bill aimed at imposing sanctions and other measures against the Russian Federation. This action is contingent upon specific conditions, including the Russian government's refusal to negotiate a peace agreement with Ukraine, any violations of such an agreement, or the initiation of further military invasions of Ukraine. The resolution seeks to expedite the legislative process for H.R. 2548, ensuring that it can be debated and voted on promptly.

Key Provisions

• Immediate Consideration: Upon adoption of HRES 438, the House will proceed directly to consider H.R. 2548.
• Waiving Points of Order: All points of order against the consideration of H.R. 2548 are waived, allowing for a smoother legislative process.
• Amendment Adoption: An amendment in the nature of a substitute, as specified in section 3 of the resolution, will be considered as adopted without further debate.
• Reading of the Bill: The bill, as amended, will be considered as read, which streamlines the process.
• Debate and Voting:
  • There will be one hour of debate, equally divided between supporters and opponents, controlled by Representative Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania or a designee.
  • The resolution allows for one motion to recommit, providing an opportunity for further discussion or amendments before final passage.

Impact

HRES 438 is designed to expedite the legislative process for H.R. 2548, which, if passed, would impose significant sanctions on Russia. The bill's provisions aim to hold the Russian government accountable for its actions regarding Ukraine, potentially affecting diplomatic relations and economic interactions between the U.S. and Russia. The resolution underscores the U.S. commitment to supporting Ukraine in the face of aggression.

Legislative Timeline

• May 21, 2025: HRES 438 was introduced and referred to the House Committee on Rules.
• May 21, 2025: The resolution was submitted in the House for consideration.

This summary provides a clear understanding of HRES 438, its purpose, key provisions, and potential impact on U.S. foreign policy regarding Russia and Ukraine.