A pair of Ohio Republicans in Washington not exactly renown for defying President Donald Trump — Sen. Rob Portman and Rep. Steve Stivers — are challenging the administration on separate issues.

Stivers takes issue with new policy guidance by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services regarding the definition of residency that might affect the citizenship of children born abroad to members of the U.S. military or foreign service.

“This policy update from USCIS altering the requirements for the citizenship of children born abroad and adopted by U.S. citizens is misguided and a disservice to those who make a tremendous commitment to our nation," the congressman from Upper Arlington said in a release. "It creates uncertainty, red tape and bureaucratic confusion for families of our brave men and women in uniform. I oppose it and will work tirelessly to repeal this policy.”

Federal officials scrambled late last week to explain the update, especially after initial reports indicated that it could have a widespread impact. But officials of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services estimate that the policy, which takes effect Oct. 29, would affect 20 to 25 people a year, while the Pentagon estimates the number at fewer than 100 a year, The Washington Post reported.

The policy update would affect only children whose families fall into unusual categories: children adopted abroad by government workers or military members, children born to parents who were not yet citizens, and children of Americans who didn’t meet the residency requirements needed to automatically transmit citizenship at birth, the Post said.

Meanwhile, Portman — co-chair of the Senate's Ukrainian caucus — signed a letter urging the Trump administration to release $250 million in military assistance to Ukraine that was approved by a bipartisan congressional vote. Citing media reports, the letter conveyed "deep concerns" that the administration is sitting on the money.

"The funds designated for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative are vital to the long-term viability of the Ukrainian military. It has helped Ukraine develop the independent military capabilities and skills necessary to fend off the Kremlin’s continued onslaughts within its territory," said the missive to Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney. Signers included Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., Dick Durbin, D-Ill., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Ron Johnson, R-Wis.

Last week, Democratic Rep. Tom Malinowski of New Jersey remarked: "The bigger problem is that Trump is once again showing himself to be an asset to Russia.”

drowland@dispatch.com

@darreldrowland