300,000 Tons of Russian Diesel: A Bipartisan Pushback in Congress

Congressional lawmakers from both parties are moving to counter the administration's recent actions regarding Russian energy imports and satellite communications with Ukraine, seeking to bar new oil deals and guarantee military support. This push follows a Treasury Department waiver issued on October 9 that permitted transactions involving Russian diesel, and reports that Ukraine's access to satellite services had been restricted.

The waiver, which is scheduled to expire on April 7, 2027, was authorized by the Treasury Department on October 9. It allows for transactions involving Russian diesel fuel, including imports into the United States. President Donald Trump defended the decision following talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that Russia would immediately provide more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel to U.S. and global markets. Trump has said the arrangement is intended to expand global diesel supplies and lower prices, noting that diesel costs have risen sharply amid supply disruptions linked to the war in Iran.

In response, Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, a Pennsylvania Republican and co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, has introduced the Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act of 2026. The bill would cancel the October 9 waiver and prohibit future waivers for Russian energy imports. It would also require intelligence agencies to support Ukraine's defense and notify congressional committees within 24 hours of any interruption. The measure has been sent to three House committees.

The bill's sponsors argue that the waiver undermines a 2022 federal ban on Russian oil imports. "We must not import a single drop of Russian oil," Fitzpatrick said. Republican Representative Don Bacon said, "Congress must be a check to the president's egregious appeasement to Putin," and accused Trump of reversing past criticism of Europe for buying Russian energy. Democratic Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez said that if the goal is lower gasoline prices, the administration should work to end the war in Iran rather than direct American money toward Russia.

Separately, eight lawmakers from both parties have urged Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to expand the Pentagon's Starshield contract to guarantee uninterrupted service for Ukraine. They asked for the restoration of speeds, coverage for military operations, and a smooth transition from commercial Starlink to the government-contracted system. The letter also suggested using the Defense Production Act, stating that service decisions "should not be left solely to the discretion of a private provider." This follows reports that Ukrainian officials say disruptions affected military operations on October 13.

Reports indicate that restrictions introduced on October 13 impacted communications for drones and other platforms moving faster than 100 miles per hour (160 km/h), hindering the guidance of defensive drones. Ukrainian officials reported on October 24 that satellite connection speeds had been restored. However, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said the limits remained in place despite President Trump's claim that service was restored after contact with Musk. Who imposed the restrictions remains unclear.

Several Democrats are seeking answers on the satellite issue. Representative Gregory Meeks and Senator Peter Welch led six lawmakers in questioning Elon Musk's claim that the military and the president decided on the restrictions, citing reports that Musk himself proposed them. 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.