WASHINGTON: Congress is close to sending President Barack Obama a bill to give $1 billion in loan guarantees to cash-strapped Ukraine and provide the administration broad authority to levy more sanctions on Russia for its annexation of Crimea.

On a voice vote, the Senate approved its version of the legislation Thursday. The House endorsed a different version on a 399-19 vote and was poised to pass the Senate version Friday, the final step needed to send the bill to Obama.

“We must target those guilty of aggression against Ukraine and stand by our allies and friends to ensure peace and security in Europe,” the House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman, Rep. Ed Royce said.

“Passage of this bill by the House today demonstrates that our words do have meaning and sends a clear message of American resolve that will be heard in Kiev, in Moscow, and around the world,” Royce added.

The votes came as Obama wrapped up a three-country European trip during which he solicited support of allies in challenging Russia’s moves in Ukraine. The rare congressional unity contrasted with recent partisan divisions over the Ukraine package, including disputes over new IRS regulations on groups claiming tax-exempt status and International Monetary Fund reforms.

In a retreat two days ago, Senate Democrats backed down and stripped the IMF reform language from the bill, a defeat for the Obama administration, which had promoted the IMF provisions.