Bipartisan Bill Seeks to Revoke Russian Diesel Waiver and Mandate 24-Hour Satellite Alerts

U.S. legislators from both parties have introduced legislation to reverse a recent executive action allowing Russian diesel imports and to tighten oversight of satellite communications for Ukraine. The move challenges President Donald Trump's energy strategy and demands faster reporting on military technology disruptions.

Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, a Pennsylvania Republican, introduced the Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act of 2026. His co-sponsors are Republican Don Bacon of Nebraska and Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington. The bill targets a Treasury Department waiver issued on October 9, which authorized transactions for Russian diesel fuel. It would cancel that waiver, which is scheduled to expire on April 7, 2027, and prohibit future waivers for Russian energy imports.

The legislation also requires intelligence agencies to support Ukraine's defense efforts. It mandates that these agencies notify congressional intelligence committees within 24 hours of any interruption to those services. The measure has been referred to three House committees for review.

President Trump defended the waiver as a method to expand global diesel supplies and reduce prices. He announced the deal after talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that Russia agreed to provide more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel to U.S. and global markets immediately, with additional volumes to follow. Diesel prices have risen sharply due to energy supply disruptions linked to the war in Iran.

Critics argue the waiver undermines the 2022 federal ban on Russian oil imports. Fitzpatrick stated that the United States must not import a single drop of Russian oil. Bacon accused the president of reversing past criticisms of Europe for buying Russian energy. Gluesenkamp Perez suggested that the administration should work to end the war in Iran to lower gasoline prices rather than directing American funds to Russia.

Separate concerns involve Ukraine's access to SpaceX's Starlink and Starshield systems. Eight lawmakers, including Senators Mark Kelly, Thom Tillis, and Elissa Slotkin, urged Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to expand the Pentagon's Starshield contract. They requested guaranteed uninterrupted service and a smooth transition from commercial Starlink to government-contracted Starshield. Ukrainian officials reported that restrictions imposed on October 13 disrupted communications for drones moving faster than 100 miles per hour. Kyiv stated on October 24 that connection speeds had been restored, though it remains unclear who imposed the initial limits.

Several Democrats are seeking formal answers regarding the satellite restrictions. Senator Richard Blumenthal has demanded written responses from Elon Musk by November 5 and a briefing by November 12. Representative Gregory Meeks and Senator Peter Welch questioned Musk's claim that the military and the president decided on the restrictions, citing reports that Musk proposed them. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has denied that the president or other officials ordered or knew of the restrictions.