Fitzpatrick Bill Seeks to Void Russian Diesel Waiver and Force 24-Hour Satellite Alerts

A new House bill would cancel a Treasury Department waiver that permits the import of Russian diesel fuel. The legislation, introduced by Representative Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, targets a specific authorization issued on October 9. That waiver allows transactions involving more than 300,000 metric tons of Russian diesel bound for US and global markets. The measure would also bar future waivers for Russian energy imports, effectively reinstating a federal ban on such purchases.

The proposal stems from concerns that the waiver weakens US leverage over Moscow. Fitzpatrick, a Republican and co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, stated that the country must not import a single drop of Russian oil. He is joined by co-sponsors Don Bacon of Nebraska and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington. The bill currently sits with three House committees for review. It sets a deadline for the current waiver to expire on April 7, 2027, unless Congress acts otherwise.

The energy dispute coincides with tensions over satellite communications. Reports indicate that access to SpaceX’s Starlink and military-grade Starshield systems was restricted starting on October 13. Ukrainian officials said these limits disrupted communications for drones moving faster than 100 miles per hour. Such disruptions hindered the guidance of defensive drones. Kyiv reported on October 24 that connection speeds had been restored, though the exact cause of the initial drop remains unclear.

Eight bipartisan lawmakers sent a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding the satellite issue. The group includes Representatives Marcy Kaptur, Fitzpatrick, and Mike Quigley, along with Senators Mark Kelly, Thom Tillis, and Elissa Slotkin. They urged the Pentagon to expand its Starshield contract and guarantee uninterrupted service. The lawmakers proposed using the Defense Production Act to ensure service decisions are not left solely to a private provider. They requested restored speeds and coverage for lawful military operations, including over Russian territory.

President Donald Trump defended the diesel arrangement as a method to expand global supplies and lower prices. He announced the deal following talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Diesel prices had risen sharply due to supply disruptions linked to the war in Iran. Critics argue the move reverses past US positions on European energy purchases. Gluesenkamp Perez suggested that if lower gasoline prices are the goal, the administration should focus on ending the conflict in Iran.

Democratic lawmakers are seeking direct answers about the satellite restrictions. Representative Gregory Meeks and Senator Peter Welch questioned Elon Musk’s claim that the military and the president decided on the limits. Reports suggest Musk himself proposed the restrictions. Senator Richard Blumenthal has demanded written answers from Musk by November 5. He also requested a SpaceX briefing by November 12. Representatives Sam Liccardo, Ro Khanna, and Jimmy Panetta have asked White House chief of staff Susie Wiles for a government-wide investigation.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has denied that Trump or other officials ordered or knew of the restrictions. Senator Thom Tillis wrote on social media that whoever is handing Putin a more vulnerable Ukraine should have the guts to put their name on it. The congressional inquiry continues as both the energy waiver and the satellite access issues move through official channels.