Congress Pushes Back on Russian Fuel Deal and Satellite Limits

A rare group of bipartisan senators and representatives is publicly challenging the White House over two recent decisions.

The tension centers on a Treasury waiver that allows Russian diesel imports and reports that Ukraine lost access to key US satellite systems. Lawmakers from both sides argue these moves weaken US leverage and Ukraine's defense capabilities.

The situation began to unravel in early October. On October 9, the Treasury Department issued a waiver permitting transactions for Russian diesel fuel, including direct imports into the United States. This action followed President Trump's announcement of a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to supply over 300,000 metric tons of diesel to global markets. The administration argued this would expand supply and lower prices, a claim made more urgent by rising diesel costs linked to the ongoing war in Iran.

Complications on the communications front emerged shortly after. On October 13, restrictions were placed on Ukraine's use of SpaceX's Starlink and the military-grade Starshield systems. Ukrainian officials stated that these limits disrupted operations for drones and other platforms moving faster than 100 miles per hour. While Kyiv reported on October 24 that connection speeds had been restored, the root cause of the initial disruption remains unclear to many observers.

In response to the energy waiver, Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, a Pennsylvania Republican, introduced the Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act of 2026. He is joined by Republican Don Bacon of Nebraska and Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington. The bill aims to cancel the current waiver, which expires on April 7, 2027, and block any future waivers for Russian energy. It also mandates that intelligence agencies support Ukraine's defense and notify congressional committees within 24 hours of any service interruptions. The measure is currently under review by three House committees.

Supporters of the bill argue the waiver undermines the 2022 federal ban on Russian oil. Fitzpatrick stated that the US should not import a single drop of Russian oil. Bacon described Congress's role as a check against what he called egregious appeasement of Putin. Gluesenkamp Perez suggested that if the goal is lower gas prices, the administration should focus on ending the war in Iran rather than directing funds toward Russia.

On the satellite issue, eight lawmakers, including Representatives Marcy Kaptur, Fitzpatrick, and Mike Quigley, along with Senators Mark Kelly, Thom Tillis, and Elissa Slotkin, have sent a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. They are urging the Pentagon to expand its Starshield contract to guarantee uninterrupted service. The group wants restored speeds and adequate coverage for Ukrainian military operations, including those over Russian territory. They also proposed using the Defense Production Act, arguing that service decisions should not be left solely to a private provider.

The administration has faced pressure to explain the conflicting signals regarding satellite access. President Trump claimed service was restored after he spoke with Elon Musk, yet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the limits persisted. Several Democrats are digging deeper. Representatives Gregory Meeks and Senator Peter Welch questioned Musk's claim that the military and the president ordered the restrictions, citing reports that Musk himself proposed them. Senator Richard Blumenthal has demanded written answers from Musk by November 5 and a briefing by November 12.

Other lawmakers, including Representatives Sam Liccardo, Ro Khanna, and Jimmy Panetta, have asked White House chief of staff Susie Wiles to launch a government-wide investigation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has denied that Trump or other officials ordered or knew of the restrictions. Senator Tillis recently posted that whoever is giving Putin a more vulnerable Ukraine should have the courage to put their name on it. As these inquiries unfold, the administration faces a growing chorus of voices demanding clarity and accountability.