Lawmakers Target 300,000-Ton Diesel Deal and Starlink Cuts

The administration recently approved a large influx of Russian fuel and restricted satellite links for Ukraine, prompting a coordinated response from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. A bipartisan coalition has launched a formal challenge to these policies, seeking to reverse the energy waiver and secure stable communications for Kyiv's military forces.

Treasury Department officials issued a waiver on October 9 that permits transactions involving Russian diesel, including its import into the United States. This action contradicts a 2022 federal ban on Russian oil imports. The waiver is scheduled to expire on April 7, 2027, but new legislation aims to void it immediately and prevent similar future exemptions.

Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican from Pennsylvania, introduced the Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act of 2026 to address the energy issue. He is joined by Republican Don Bacon of Nebraska and Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington. The bill requires intelligence agencies to support Ukraine's defense efforts and mandate that they notify congressional intelligence committees within 24 hours of any interruption in support.

President Donald Trump defended the diesel arrangement as a method to expand global supplies and reduce prices. He announced the deal following discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that Russia agreed to provide more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel to US and global markets. Diesel prices have risen sharply recently due to energy supply disruptions connected to the war in Iran.

Sponsors of the new bill argue that the waiver undermines existing federal bans. 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," while Gluesenkamp Perez suggested the administration should end the war in Iran to lower gasoline prices rather than directing funds toward Russia.

Separate concerns have emerged regarding satellite communications. Ukrainian officials reported that restrictions introduced on October 13 disrupted communications for drones and other platforms moving faster than 100 miles per hour. These limits hindered the guidance of defensive drones. Ukrainian officials said connection speeds were restored on October 24, though they noted that SpaceX had not explained the earlier limits.

Eight lawmakers, including Representatives Marcy Kaptur, Fitzpatrick, and Mike Quigley, as well as Senators Mark Kelly, Thom Tillis, and Elissa Slotkin, have asked Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to expand the Pentagon's Starshield contract. They want guaranteed uninterrupted service and a smooth transition from commercial Starlink to government-contracted Starshield. The group suggested using the Defense Production Act, arguing that service decisions "should not be left solely to the discretion of a private provider."

Democrat Gregory Meeks and Senator Peter Welch have questioned Elon Musk's claim that the military and the president decided on the restrictions, 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 requested a government-wide investigation from White House chief of staff Susie Wiles.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has denied that President Trump or other officials ordered or knew of the restrictions. Senator Thom 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."