Bipartisan Bill Targets 300,000-Ton Diesel Deal

More than 300,000 metric tons of Russian diesel fuel are set to enter US and global markets under a new executive arrangement. President Donald Trump announced the deal after talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that the agreement would expand global supplies and lower prices. The move follows a sharp rise in diesel costs linked to energy disruptions in Iran.

A bipartisan group of House members introduced a bill on October 24 to reverse the policy. The Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act of 2026 would cancel a Treasury Department waiver issued on October 9. That waiver authorized transactions involving Russian diesel imports. The new legislation would also bar any future waivers for Russian energy imports. It requires intelligence agencies to support Ukraine's defense and notify congressional committees within 24 hours of any service interruption.

Representative Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, a Republican, introduced the measure. He is joined by Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska, a Republican, and Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington, a Democrat. The bill has been referred to three House committees. Fitzpatrick argued that the waiver undercuts a 2022 federal ban on Russian oil imports. He stated that the US must not import a single drop of Russian oil.

The energy dispute is part of a wider congressional push to clarify the administration's stance on Ukraine. Lawmakers are also addressing restrictions on satellite communications for Ukrainian forces. Reports indicate that access to SpaceX's Starlink and Starshield systems was limited starting October 13. Ukrainian officials said these disruptions affected military operations, specifically guidance for defensive drones moving faster than 100 miles per hour. Kyiv reported on October 24 that connection speeds had been restored, though the cause of the initial limits remains unclear.

Eight lawmakers, including Representatives Marcy Kaptur and Mike Quigley, sent a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. They urged the Pentagon to expand its Starshield contract to guarantee uninterrupted service. The group suggested using the Defense Production Act to manage service decisions, noting that such choices should not be left solely to a private provider. They demanded adequate coverage for Ukrainian military operations, including over Russian territory.

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

Bacon accused the president of reversing past criticisms of Europe for buying Russian energy. Gluesenkamp Perez argued that if the administration wants lower gasoline prices, it should work to end the war in Iran rather than direct American money toward Russia. A Ukrainian official said SpaceX had not responded to Kyiv about the earlier limits. The official noted that while Kyiv is in contact with the US government, no one has explained what happened or what will happen next.