Republican Representative Fitzpatrick to Push House Vote Blocking Russian Oil Purchases
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick announced a discharge petition to force a vote on legislation that would prohibit U.S. purchases of Russian oil, challenging President Trump's recent easing of diesel export restrictions.
Republican Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (Pennsylvania), co-chair of the House Ukraine Caucus, said on Oct. 10 that he will introduce the Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act, a bipartisan measure intended to block all U.S. purchases of Russian oil. Fitzpatrick wrote on X that the bill would be forced to the floor via a discharge petition and expected to pass overwhelmingly.
The proposal, co-sponsored by Rep. Don Bacon (Nebraska), would require 218 signatures to bypass committee approval. It faces procedural hurdles, as Congress will not resume voting for several weeks and the current term ends in January. Passage would also need Senate approval and could encounter opposition from the White House.
Republican lawmakers expressed concern that President Trump's decision to ease restrictions on Russian diesel exports could provide revenue for Moscow’s war effort. Rep. Michael McCaul (Texas) warned that lifting sanctions may “fund the Kremlin's war machine,” while Sen. Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) urged the president to use existing sanction authorities to cut off Russian energy earnings.
Democrats cited the 2022 Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act, which bans Russian oil imports unless the president certifies compliance with specific conditions. Former Rep. Tom Malinowski called on Democratic leaders to use the law’s expedited procedures to block the diesel arrangement.
Advocacy groups argued the decision undermines recent sanctions legislation. Daniel Balson, advocacy director at Razom for Ukraine, said the move “increased our own” exposure to Russian energy and urged congressional action.
Sen. Angus King (independent, Maine) criticized the diesel deal as offering little benefit to U.S. consumers while aiding Vladimir Putin’s war, calling it “a fraud.”
President Trump, on the same day, reiterated his call for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to be replaced, suggesting an election could lead to a settlement with Russia. Ukrainian officials rejected the suggestion, emphasizing the need to maintain pressure on Moscow.
European officials also condemned the easing of Russian energy restrictions, with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stating that Europe would not relax pressure on Russia and announcing upcoming sanctions targeting supporters of the war.