Fitzpatrick Bill Targets 300,000 Tons of Russian Diesel Import Waiver

A bipartisan coalition in the US Congress is moving to rescind a Treasury Department waiver that permits the import of Russian diesel fuel. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, a Pennsylvania Republican and co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, introduced legislation on October 24 to cancel the October 9 executive action. The measure, titled the Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act of 2026, is co-sponsored by Republican Don Bacon of Nebraska and Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington.

The bill would void the current waiver, which is scheduled to expire on April 7, 2027, and prohibit future waivers for Russian energy imports. It also mandates that intelligence agencies support Ukraine's defense efforts and notify congressional committees within 24 hours of any service interruption. Fitzpatrick stated the goal is to enforce the 2022 federal ban on Russian oil, saying, "We must not import a single drop of Russian oil." The legislation has been referred to three House committees.

President Donald Trump defended the waiver as a strategy to lower global diesel prices. He announced the deal following discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that Russia agreed to supply more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel to US and international markets. Trump noted that diesel prices have risen due to supply disruptions linked to the conflict in Iran. Bacon argued that Congress must check what he called the president's appeasement of Putin, while Gluesenkamp Perez suggested ending the Iran war as a more effective way to reduce gasoline costs.

Separate pressure is mounting regarding satellite communications. Eight lawmakers, including Representatives Marcy Kaptur, Fitzpatrick, and Mike Quigley, along with Senators Mark Kelly, Thom Tillis, and Elissa Slotkin, have asked Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to expand the Pentagon’s Starshield contract. They demand guaranteed service speeds and coverage for military operations, including over Russian territory. The group proposed using the Defense Production Act to ensure that service decisions are not left solely to a private provider.

Ukrainian officials reported that restrictions imposed on October 13 disrupted communications for drones moving faster than 100 miles per hour. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the limits persisted despite claims that service had been restored after the president spoke with Elon Musk. A Ukrainian official told RFE/RL that SpaceX had not explained the earlier limits, stating, "no one has explained what happened or what will happen next."

Democratic leaders are seeking clarity on who authorized the satellite cuts. 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 requested written answers from Musk by November 5 and a briefing by November 12. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied that Trump or other officials ordered or knew about the restrictions.