Fitzpatrick Bill Seeks to Revoke Russian Diesel Waiver and Mandate Satellite Transparency

Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, a Pennsylvania Republican, introduced the Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act of 2026 on Thursday to overturn a Treasury Department waiver that authorized the import of Russian diesel. The bill, co-sponsored by Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska and Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington, aims to cancel the waiver issued on October 9, which is scheduled to expire on April 7, 2027. It would also prohibit future waivers for Russian energy imports and mandate that intelligence agencies notify congressional committees within 24 hours of any interruption in support for Ukraine's defense.

The legislative move responds to President Donald Trump's decision to ease limits on Russian energy imports. Trump announced the arrangement following talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that Russia would immediately provide more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel to US and global markets. The administration argues the deal will expand global supplies and lower prices, a strategy Fitzpatrick says undermines the 2022 federal ban on Russian oil imports. Fitzpatrick stated, "We must not import a single drop of Russian oil." Bacon added that Congress must check the president's approach to Putin, while Gluesenkamp Perez suggested the administration address the war in Iran to lower gasoline prices instead of directing funds to Russia.

Simultaneously, eight lawmakers from both parties are pressing the Defense Department to secure satellite communications for Ukraine. Representatives Marcy Kaptur, Fitzpatrick, and Mike Quigley, along with Senators Mark Kelly, Thom Tillis, and Elissa Slotkin, urged Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to expand the Pentagon's Starshield contract. They requested guaranteed service, restored speeds, and coverage for military operations over Russian territory. The group proposed using the Defense Production Act to ensure service decisions are not left solely to private providers. This follows reports that restrictions imposed on October 13 disrupted communications for drones moving faster than 100 miles per hour, hindering defensive operations.

Ukrainian officials reported on October 24 that satellite connection speeds had been restored, though the entity responsible for the earlier limits remains unclear. A Ukrainian official familiar with the matter said SpaceX had not explained the initial limits or what would happen next. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that restrictions persisted despite claims that service was fixed after contact with Elon Musk. Several Democrats are seeking accountability for the disruptions. Representative Gregory Meeks and Senator Peter Welch questioned Musk's claim that the military ordered the limits, citing reports that he proposed them. Senator Richard Blumenthal demanded written answers from Musk by November 5 and a briefing by November 12.

The bill has been sent to three House committees for review. Meanwhile, Representatives Sam Liccardo, Ro Khanna, and Jimmy Panetta have requested a government-wide investigation from White House chief of staff Susie Wiles. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has denied that Trump or other officials ordered or knew of the restrictions. Senator Tillis wrote on social media that whoever is providing a more vulnerable Ukraine to Putin should identify themselves.