Fitzpatrick Leads Bipartisan Push to Void 300,000-Ton Diesel Deal

Representative Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania has introduced legislation to cancel a recent authorization for Russian diesel imports. The move directly challenges President Donald Trump's decision to ease restrictions on Russian energy following talks with Vladimir Putin. Trump announced that Russia would immediately supply more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel to US and global markets to lower prices.

The proposed Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act of 2026 would void the Treasury Department waiver issued on October 9. That waiver is scheduled to expire on April 7, 2027. The bill also bars any future waivers for Russian energy imports and requires intelligence agencies to notify congressional committees within 24 hours of any interruption to Ukraine's defense support. Fitzpatrick, a Republican, is joined by co-sponsors Republican Don Bacon of Nebraska and Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington.

The legislation responds to concerns that the waiver undermines a 2022 federal ban on Russian oil imports. Fitzpatrick stated, "We must not import a single drop of Russian oil." Bacon told RFE/RL that "Congress must be a check to the president's egregious appeasement to Putin." Gluesenkamp Perez argued that if the administration wants lower gasoline prices, it should work to end the war in Iran rather than steer American money toward Russia.

Simultaneously, eight lawmakers from both parties are pressing the Defense Department to secure Ukraine's access to satellite communications. The group includes Representatives Marcy Kaptur, Fitzpatrick, and Mike Quigley, as well as Senators Mark Kelly, Thom Tillis, and Elissa Slotkin. They urged Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to expand the Pentagon's Starshield contract. The lawmakers requested restored speeds, adequate coverage for military operations over Russian territory, and a smooth transition from commercial Starlink to government-contracted Starshield.

Ukrainian reports indicate that restrictions introduced on October 13 disrupted communications for drones moving faster than 100 miles per hour. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the limits persisted despite Trump's claim that service had been restored after contact with Elon Musk. A Ukrainian official familiar with the matter said SpaceX had not explained the earlier limits to Kyiv. The official added, "no one has explained what happened or what will happen next."

Several Democrats are seeking formal answers regarding the satellite disruptions. Representative Gregory Meeks and Senator Peter Welch questioned Musk's claim that the military and the president decided on the restrictions. Senator Richard Blumenthal has demanded written answers from Musk by November 5 and a briefing by November 12. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has denied that Trump or other officials ordered or knew of the restrictions. Senator 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."