Bipartisan Bill Seeks to Void Russian Diesel Waiver and Secure Satellite Links

Ukraine's defense posture and American energy policy are at the center of a new congressional push. Lawmakers from both parties are challenging the administration's recent decisions on Russian fuel imports and satellite communications for the Ukrainian military.

The move follows a Treasury Department waiver issued on October 9 that allowed transactions involving Russian diesel fuel. This included imports into the United States. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania introduced a bill to cancel that waiver. The measure, the Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act of 2026, is co-sponsored by Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska and Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington.

The bill would bar future waivers for Russian energy imports. It requires intelligence agencies to support Ukraine's defense and notify congressional committees within 24 hours of any service interruption. The waiver currently expires on April 7, 2027. Trump defended the deal by saying Russia agreed to provide more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel to US and global markets.

Fitzpatrick stated, "We must not import a single drop of Russian oil." Bacon described the waiver as "egregious appeasement to Putin." Gluesenkamp Perez argued that ending the war in Iran would lower prices more effectively than buying Russian fuel. The bill has been sent to three House committees.

Separately, eight lawmakers are demanding expanded satellite access for Ukraine. They asked Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to expand the Pentagon's Starshield contract. The group includes Representatives Marcy Kaptur, Fitzpatrick, and Mike Quigley, along with Senators Mark Kelly, Thom Tillis, and Elissa Slotkin. They urged the use of the Defense Production Act to ensure service decisions are not left to a private provider.

Ukrainian officials reported that restrictions introduced on October 13 disrupted communications for drones moving faster than 100 miles per hour. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the limits remained despite claims that service had been restored. Ukrainian officials noted that SpaceX had not explained the earlier limits.

Democratic lawmakers are seeking written answers from SpaceX and a government-wide investigation. Senator Richard Blumenthal requested a briefing by November 12. Representatives Sam Liccardo, Ro Khanna, and Jimmy Panetta asked White House chief of staff Susie Wiles to lead an inquiry. Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied that the president 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." The bipartisan effort combines energy policy and defense logistics in a single legislative package.