300,000 Tons: New Bill Targets Russian Diesel Waiver

President Donald Trump announced on October 9 that Russia agreed to immediately supply more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel to US and global markets. The announcement followed direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and preceded a Treasury Department waiver that authorized transactions for the fuel. The waiver is set to expire on April 7, 2027, but a new legislative effort aims to end its validity immediately.

Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, a Pennsylvania Republican and co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, introduced the Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act of 2026. The bill, co-sponsored by Republican Don Bacon of Nebraska and Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington, would cancel the recent waiver and prohibit future waivers for Russian energy imports. The measure has been referred to three House committees for review.

The legislation also addresses satellite communications issues that have strained US-Ukraine relations. The bill requires intelligence agencies to support Ukraine’s defense capabilities. It mandates that congressional intelligence committees receive notice within 24 hours of any interruption to these services. This provision responds to recent reports that Ukraine’s access to SpaceX’s Starlink and military-grade Starshield systems was restricted.

Ukrainian officials stated that disruptions introduced on October 13 affected military operations. Reports indicate the limits hindered the guidance of defensive drones and other platforms moving faster than 100 miles per hour. A Ukrainian official familiar with the matter said SpaceX had not responded to Kyiv regarding 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.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the restrictions remained in place despite Trump’s claim that service had been restored after contact with Elon Musk. Eight lawmakers from both parties, including Representatives Marcy Kaptur, Fitzpatrick, and Mike Quigley, along with Senators Mark Kelly, Thom Tillis, and Elissa Slotkin, urged Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to act. They requested an expansion of the Pentagon’s Starshield contract to guarantee uninterrupted service and adequate coverage for lawful military operations, including over Russian territory.

The sponsors argue the diesel 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 serve as a check on what he called the president’s egregious appeasement to Putin. Gluesenkamp Perez argued that if the administration seeks lower gasoline prices, it should work to end the war in Iran rather than direct American money toward Russia.

Trump has defended the diesel arrangement as a method to expand global supplies and lower prices. He noted that diesel prices have climbed sharply due to energy supply disruptions linked to the war in Iran. The bill’s introduction contrasts with the administration's position, which views the increased imports as a strategic benefit for global markets.

Several Democrats are pursuing separate inquiries into the satellite restrictions. Representative Gregory Meeks and Senator Peter Welch led six lawmakers in questioning Musk’s claim that the military and the president decided on the limits. Senator Richard Blumenthal has demanded written answers from Musk by November 5 and a briefing by November 12. Representatives Sam Liccardo, Ro Khanna, and Jimmy Panetta have asked White House chief of staff Susie Wiles for a government-wide investigation.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio 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.” The legislative and investigative efforts continue as lawmakers seek to balance energy policy with national security commitments.