Bipartisan Bill Targets Russian Diesel Deal

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania introduced legislation on Friday to cancel a recent Treasury Department waiver that allows Russian diesel imports into the United States. The bill, co-sponsored by Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska and Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington, aims to reverse a policy change announced by President Donald Trump on October 9. The measure has been referred to three House committees for review.

The proposed Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act of 2026 would void the waiver set to expire on April 7, 2027. It also bars future waivers for Russian energy imports. The legislation requires intelligence agencies to support Ukraine's defense and notify congressional intelligence committees within 24 hours of any interruption to satellite communications. Fitzpatrick stated that the waiver undercuts a 2022 federal ban on Russian oil imports, saying, "We must not import a single drop of Russian oil."

President Trump defended the agreement as a method to expand global diesel supplies and lower prices. He announced that Russia agreed to provide more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel to US and global markets immediately, with additional shipments to follow. Diesel prices have risen sharply due to energy supply disruptions linked to the war in Iran. Bacon told RFE/RL that Congress must check the president's actions, calling the move an "egregious appeasement to Putin." Gluesenkamp Perez argued that ending the war in Iran would be a more effective way to lower gasoline prices.

The energy debate coincides with disputes over Ukraine's access to satellite systems. Eight lawmakers from both parties urged Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to expand the Pentagon's Starshield contract. They requested uninterrupted service and restored speeds for Ukraine's military operations. The group included Reps. Marcy Kaptur, Fitzpatrick and Mike Quigley, and Sens. Mark Kelly, Thom Tillis and Elissa Slotkin. They suggested using the Defense Production Act to ensure service decisions are not left solely to a private provider.

Ukrainian officials reported that restrictions introduced on October 13 disrupted communications for drones moving faster than 100 miles per hour. These limits hindered the guidance of defensive drones. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the restrictions remained in place despite Trump's claim that service had been restored after contact with Elon Musk. A Ukrainian official told RFE/RL that SpaceX had not explained the earlier limits, noting that "no one has explained what happened or what will happen next." Kyiv reported on October 24 that satellite connection speeds had been restored.

Several Democrats are seeking formal answers regarding the satellite restrictions. Rep. Gregory Meeks and Sen. Peter Welch questioned Musk's claim that the military and the president decided on the limits. They cited reports that Musk himself proposed the restrictions. Sen. Richard Blumenthal demanded written answers from Musk by November 5 and a SpaceX briefing by November 12. Reps. Sam Liccardo, Ro Khanna and Jimmy Panetta asked White House chief of staff Susie Wiles to lead a government-wide investigation.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied that Trump or other officials ordered or knew of the restrictions. Sen. Thom Tillis wrote on X that whoever is handing Putin "the gift of a more vulnerable Ukraine" should "have the guts to put their name on it." The legislative and inquiry efforts reflect a bipartisan push to clarify the administration's stance on Russian energy and Ukrainian military capabilities.