Washington Policy Shift: Congress Targets Russian Diesel Waiver and Starlink Limits

Congress is moving to reverse two recent executive decisions that affected energy markets and military logistics.

The administration issued a Treasury waiver on October 9 that allows transactions involving Russian diesel, including imports into the US. This action follows a deal struck after President Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump stated that Russia agreed to supply more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel to US and global markets immediately, with additional volumes to follow. The administration argued this move would expand global supplies and lower prices. Diesel prices had risen sharply due to energy disruptions linked to the war in Iran.

Separately, reports emerged that Ukraine faced restrictions on using SpaceX's Starlink and military-grade Starshield systems. Ukrainian officials said these limits disrupted military operations. The restrictions were introduced on October 13 and affected platforms moving faster than 100 miles per hour. Kyiv reported on October 24 that connection speeds had been restored, though the entity responsible for the initial limits remains unclear. A Ukrainian official noted that SpaceX has not explained the earlier limits to Kyiv.

Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, a Pennsylvania Republican and co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, introduced the Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act of 2026 to address the fuel issue. He is joined by Republican Don Bacon of Nebraska and Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington. The bill would cancel the October 9 waiver, which is set to expire on April 7, 2027. It would also bar future waivers for Russian energy imports and require intelligence agencies to notify congressional committees within 24 hours of any interruption in support for Ukraine. The measure has been sent to three House committees. Fitzpatrick said, "We must not import a single drop of Russian oil." Bacon described the executive action as an "egregious appeasement to Putin." Gluesenkamp Perez argued that the president should end the war in Iran to lower gasoline prices rather than directing funds to Russia.

Eight lawmakers are also pressing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding satellite access. The group includes Representatives Marcy Kaptur, Fitzpatrick, and Mike Quigley, along with Senators Mark Kelly, Thom Tillis, and Elissa Slotkin. They requested that the Pentagon expand its Starshield contract to guarantee uninterrupted service. They also asked for adequate coverage for Ukraine's military operations, including over Russian territory, and a smooth transition from commercial Starlink to government-contracted Starshield. The lawmakers suggested using the Defense Production Act, noting that service decisions should not rely solely on a private provider.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the limits remained in place despite Trump's claim that service was restored after contact with Elon Musk. Several Democrats are seeking clarification on who imposed the restrictions. Representative Gregory Meeks and Senator Peter Welch questioned Musk's claim that the military and the president made the decision. Senator Richard Blumenthal demanded written answers from Musk by November 5 and a briefing by November 12. Representatives Sam Liccardo, Ro Khanna, and Jimmy Panetta asked White House chief of staff Susie Wiles for a government-wide investigation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied that the president or other officials ordered or knew of the restrictions. Senator Tillis wrote on X that whoever is giving Putin a more vulnerable Ukraine should identify themselves.

The next scheduled steps include a congressional review of the new bill in three House committees. The Treasury waiver remains in effect until April 7, 2027, unless revoked. Senator Blumenthal is waiting for written responses from SpaceX by November 5. The administration has not yet responded to the specific inquiries from the eight lawmakers regarding the Starshield contract.