Lawmakers Seek To Block 300,000-Ton Russian Diesel Deal And Force 24-Hour Satellite Reporting

More than 300,000 metric tons of Russian diesel are currently approved for entry into US and global markets following a waiver issued by the Treasury Department on October 9. President Donald Trump announced the arrangement after talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that Russia would immediately provide this volume with more to follow. The move was intended to expand global diesel supplies and lower prices, a strategy that has drawn sharp criticism from members of Congress who view it as a reversal of previous sanctions.

Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, a Pennsylvania Republican, introduced the Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act of 2026 to reverse this policy. Co-sponsored by Republican Don Bacon of Nebraska and Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington, the bill would cancel the October 9 waiver, which is set to expire on April 7, 2027. It also bars any future waivers for Russian energy imports. The measure has been sent to three House committees for review.

The legislation includes a provision requiring intelligence agencies to support Ukraine's defense efforts. It mandates that these agencies notify congressional intelligence committees within 24 hours of any interruption to that support. This requirement addresses recent disruptions to satellite communications that Ukrainian officials say affected military operations.

Reports indicate that Ukraine’s use of SpaceX’s Starlink and the military-grade Starshield systems was restricted starting on October 13. These limits disrupted communications for drones moving faster than 100 miles per hour, hindering the guidance of defensive platforms. While Ukrainian officials reported on October 24 that connection speeds had been restored, a Ukrainian official told RFE/RL that no one has explained what happened or what will happen next. SpaceX has not responded to Kyiv about the earlier limits.

Eight lawmakers from both parties, including Representatives Marcy Kaptur and Mike Quigley and Senators Mark Kelly, Thom Tillis and Elissa Slotkin, urged Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to expand the Pentagon's Starshield contract. They asked for guaranteed uninterrupted service and adequate coverage for Ukraine's lawful military operations, including over Russian territory. The group suggested using the Defense Production Act to ensure service decisions are not left solely to the discretion of a private provider.

Critics of the diesel waiver argue it undercuts 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 be a check to the president's egregious appeasement to Putin. Gluesenkamp Perez argued that if the administration wants lower gasoline prices, it should work to end the war in Iran rather than steer American money toward Russia.

Several Democrats are seeking answers regarding the satellite restrictions. Representative Gregory Meeks and Senator Peter Welch questioned Elon Musk's claim that the military and the president decided on the limits, citing reports that Musk proposed them. Senator Richard Blumenthal has demanded written answers from Musk by November 5 and a SpaceX 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 has denied that Trump or other officials ordered or knew of the restrictions.

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 push combines energy policy with military transparency, aiming to formalize congressional oversight over both fuel imports and satellite access for Ukraine.