Republicans oppose Trump’s diesel agreement with Russia

Some Republican lawmakers are opposing President Donald Trump’s announced diesel agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin, challenging a policy Trump said would quickly lower fuel prices.

In an Oct. 9 Truth Social post, Trump said Russia had agreed to supply more than 300,000 tons of diesel fuel immediately, another 500,000 tons in November and 1 million tons after that. He also said Russia would later deliver 3 million tons. Trump presented the agreement as a way to reduce diesel costs for farmers, ranchers, truckers and other Americans.

Fox News reported the objections from Republican House and Senate members.

House members back a legislative response

Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska criticized Trump’s approach toward Russia and Ukraine. Bacon said buying Russian energy would support Putin’s wartime economy as Russia continues its war against Ukraine.

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania said he would introduce bipartisan legislation called the Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act to block purchases of Russian oil. He said supporters would seek a House vote through a discharge petition, a process that can bring legislation to the floor without approval from House leadership.

Bacon said he had agreed to become an original co-sponsor of Fitzpatrick’s proposal.

Senators call for a reversal

Republican Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Thom Tillis of North Carolina and John Curtis of Utah joined Democratic Sens. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Ron Wyden of Oregon in calling on the administration to reverse course.

Their joint statement said Congress banned Russian energy imports in 2022 to keep American money from financing Russia’s war against Ukraine. The senators said the United States should not import Russian oil until Russia ends its aggression against Ukraine and stops threatening NATO allies.