Bill Targets Russian Diesel Waiver

A conflict has emerged in Washington over the scope of presidential power in managing the war in Ukraine. Lawmakers from both parties are challenging President Donald Trump's recent moves to ease Russian energy restrictions and secure satellite access for Kyiv. They argue that these actions weaken the 2022 ban on Russian oil and create uncertainty for Ukrainian military operations.

The dispute centers on a Treasury Department waiver issued on October 9. This authorization allows for transactions involving Russian diesel, including imports into the United States. The waiver is scheduled to expire on April 7, 2027. Trump announced the deal after talks with Vladimir Putin, stating that Russia would immediately provide more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel to US and global markets. He cited the goal of expanding global supplies and lowering prices, a move made while diesel prices rose due to disruptions linked to the war in Iran.

Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, a Pennsylvania Republican, introduced the Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act of 2026 to counter this waiver. The bill is co-sponsored by Republican Don Bacon of Nebraska and Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington. The legislation would cancel the October 9 waiver and prohibit future waivers for Russian energy imports. It also mandates that intelligence agencies support Ukraine's defense and notify congressional intelligence committees within 24 hours of any interruption. The measure has been referred to three House committees.

Simultaneously, a group of eight lawmakers is pressing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to guarantee uninterrupted satellite service. The group includes Representatives Marcy Kaptur, Fitzpatrick, and Mike Quigley, along with Senators Mark Kelly, Thom Tillis, and Elissa Slotkin. They requested an expansion of the Pentagon's Starshield contract. Their letter urged for restored speeds and adequate coverage for military operations over Russian territory. They suggested using the Defense Production Act to ensure service decisions are not left solely to the discretion of a private provider.

Ukrainian officials report that restrictions imposed on October 13 disrupted communications for drones moving faster than 100 miles per hour. Zelenskyy stated that the limits persisted despite Trump's claim that service had been restored after contact with Elon Musk. A Ukrainian official noted that SpaceX had not responded to Kyiv about the earlier limits. The official said Kyiv is in contact with the US government, but no one has explained what happened or what will happen next.

Fitzpatrick argued that the waiver undercuts the 2022 federal ban on Russian oil imports. He stated, "We must not import a single drop of Russian oil." Bacon accused Trump of reversing his past criticism of Europe for buying Russian energy. Gluesenkamp Perez said Trump should work to end the war in Iran rather than steer American money toward Russia. Senator Richard Blumenthal has demanded written answers from Musk by November 5 and a SpaceX briefing by November 12. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has denied that Trump or other officials ordered or knew of the restrictions.