Fitzpatrick Bill Targets 300,000-Ton Diesel Waiver

More than 300,000 metric tons of Russian diesel is the volume at the center of a new legislative challenge to the White House. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, a Pennsylvania Republican, introduced the Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act of 2026 on October 24. The bill, co-sponsored by Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska and Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington, targets a Treasury Department waiver issued on October 9.

The waiver authorized transactions involving Russian diesel fuel, including imports into the United States. President Donald Trump defended the move as a strategy to expand global diesel supplies and lower prices. He announced the deal after talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that Russia would immediately provide the fuel to US and global markets. Diesel prices had climbed sharply due to energy supply disruptions linked to the war in Iran.

The legislative push follows a specific timeline of energy and communications disruptions. On October 9, the Treasury issued the waiver. On October 13, restrictions were placed on Ukraine's use of SpaceX's Starlink and Starshield satellite systems. Ukrainian officials reported that these limits disrupted communications for drones and platforms moving faster than 100 miles per hour. By October 24, Kyiv reported that satellite connection speeds had been restored, though it remains unclear who imposed the initial restrictions.

The new bill would cancel the October 9 waiver, which is set to expire on April 7, 2027. It would also bar any future waivers for Russian energy imports. The legislation requires intelligence agencies to support Ukraine's defense and to notify congressional intelligence committees within 24 hours of any interruption to military or intelligence support. The measure has been sent to three House committees for review.

Sponsors argue the waiver 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 direct American money toward Russia.

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

Democratic lawmakers are pursuing inquiries into 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. Senator Richard Blumenthal demanded written answers from Musk by November 5 and a SpaceX briefing by November 12. Representatives Sam Liccardo, Ro Khanna and Jimmy Panetta 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.

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 bill's next steps depend on action from the three House committees that received the measure.