Lawmakers Propose Bill to Cancel 300,000-Ton Russian Diesel Deal

Congressional leaders from both parties introduced a new bill on Friday to reverse a Treasury Department waiver that allows for the import of Russian diesel fuel. The legislation, titled the Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act of 2026, seeks to cancel the specific authorization issued on October 9 and prevent future similar waivers.

The waiver permits transactions involving Russian diesel, including imports into the United States. It is scheduled to expire on April 7, 2027. President Donald Trump announced the arrangement following talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump stated that Russia agreed to immediately provide more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel to US and global markets. He described the move as a way to expand global supplies and lower prices, a strategy critics argue benefits Moscow.

Representative Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, a Republican and co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, introduced the bill. His co-sponsors include Republican Don Bacon of Nebraska and Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington. The measure has been referred to three House committees. Beyond canceling the waiver, the bill requires intelligence agencies to support Ukraine’s defense efforts. It also mandates that these agencies notify congressional intelligence committees within 24 hours of any interruption in that support.

Fitzpatrick argued that the waiver undercuts a federal ban on Russian oil imports established in 2022. "We must not import a single drop of Russian oil," he said. Bacon criticized the administration's approach, telling RFE/RL that "Congress must be a check to the president's egregious appeasement to Putin." Gluesenkamp Perez suggested that if the goal is lower gasoline prices, the administration should focus on ending the war in Iran rather than directing funds toward Russia.

The legislation also addresses concerns over Ukraine’s satellite communications. Eight lawmakers, including Representatives Marcy Kaptur, Fitzpatrick, and Mike Quigley, and Senators Mark Kelly, Thom Tillis, and Elissa Slotkin, urged Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to expand the Pentagon’s Starshield contract. They requested guarantees for uninterrupted service and adequate coverage for military operations, including over Russian territory. The group 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. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that limits remained in place despite claims that service had been restored. A Ukrainian official told RFE/RL that while Kyiv is in contact with the US government, "no one has explained what happened or what will happen next." Ukrainian officials confirmed on October 24 that satellite connection speeds had been restored.

Democratic lawmakers are seeking further accountability regarding the satellite limits. Senator Richard Blumenthal demanded written answers from SpaceX CEO Elon Musk by November 5 and a briefing by November 12. Representatives Sam Liccardo, Ro Khanna, and Jimmy Panetta asked White House chief of staff Susie Wiles to launch a government-wide investigation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has denied that President Trump or other officials ordered or knew of the restrictions.