Axios: House Republicans invoke Reagan to block Trump’s Russian oil deal

Pennsylvania Republican Representative Brian Fitzpatrick vowed Saturday to force a House vote to block the purchase of Russian oil, challenging President Trump’s diesel deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Why it matters: Trump has touted the deal as a way to lower fuel prices, but it could also generate revenue for Russia’s war in Ukraine. News driver: Fitzpatrick, co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, said he would introduce the 'Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act' and force a vote via a 'discharge petition.' Fitzpatrick wrote on X: 'It will be brought to the floor via discharge petition and pass by overwhelming margins.' Retiring Nebraska Republican Representative Don Bacon told Axios he has 'already agreed' to sign the petition. Quick recap: Trump said Friday that Russia would immediately supply over 300,000 metric tons of diesel to U.S. and global markets—with more shipments to follow. Energy analysts are skeptical that the additional diesel would meaningfully lower prices. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the deal 'neither fair nor honest' and told Axios it amounts to a gift to Putin. Trump urged Ukraine on Saturday to replace Zelenskyy with a leader willing to strike a deal with Russia. The White House has not responded to Axios’ request for comment on Fitzpatrick’s bill. Big picture: Fitzpatrick is the latest high-profile Republican to break with Trump, as the party struggles to retain control of Congress amid the president’s declining approval ratings. Zoom in: Fitzpatrick is employing a tactic increasingly used by lawmakers to bypass House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA): the discharge petition—which requires 218 signatures to bring legislation to the floor without leadership approval. Fitzpatrick and Bacon earlier this year forced House votes on Ukraine aid and Russian sanctions; the bill passed the House but stalled in the Senate. Reality check: Fitzpatrick has little time to pass the bill before this Congress ends in January. The House has no scheduled votes before the November 3 midterm elections. Any bill passing the House still requires Senate approval—and could face a Trump veto. What they’re saying: Another anonymous House Republican told Axios candidly: 'With four weeks until Congress reconvenes, any prudent member probably won’t commit too early.' A House Democrat told Axios they would personally sign the petition—and that 'most' of their colleagues likely would too—but Democratic unity is no guarantee. The Democrat said: 'Leadership may not want to help him.'

U.S. Senator says buying Russian oil is illegal; Trump seeks to sanction Ukrainian military

After Trump struck a 'diesel agreement' with Russia, bipartisan U.S. lawmakers expressed shock and anger—calling the move tantamount to funding Russia’s war against Ukraine. Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee pointed out that Trump’s decision violates U.S. law. As early as 2022, Congress passed—and President Biden signed into law—a bill banning imports of Russian energy. The law stipulates that the ban can only be lifted if Russia agrees to withdraw from Ukraine. Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal also issued a statement on social media declaring that the newly announced diesel deal directly contravenes applicable U.S. law. Republican Representative Brian Fitzpatrick pledged to introduce a bipartisan bill in the coming days to block Trump’s purchase of Russian oil. Trump, of course, pays little heed to legality: to him, 'I am the law!' Laws are followed only when they suit his preferences; those that don’t are effectively null and void—for him, immigration rules or birthright citizenship are no more binding than the nagging chatter of an old woman at a village gate. Beyond flouting the law, Trump differs fundamentally from other U.S. presidents in another respect: while others typically rely on open, transparent strategies ('yangmou'), Trump resorts unscrupulously to covert, underhanded tactics ('yinmou'). Take this 'diesel agreement,' for instance. On the surface, Trump made the decision while negotiating with Ukrainian representatives. In fact, Trump himself blamed Ukrainians for the move—claiming Zelenskyy 'f***ed up' (Trump’s exact words) by refusing to halt attacks on Russian refineries. Is that really the case? Today, European media reported that the Russian 'shadow fleet' tanker MINERVA ZEN—carrying $60 million worth of diesel (230,000 barrels, or reportedly 300,000 metric tons)—has approached the U.S. East Coast. The vessel departed St. Petersburg on September 19, sailed through the Baltic Sea, crossed the Atlantic… And the day before—on September 18—Trump signed Senator Lindsey Graham’s bill strengthening sanctions.

Prominent Republican Senator Says Trump's Russian Diesel Deal May Be Illegal

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Senator Thom Tillis warns President Trump's Russian diesel deal may be illegal, potentially aiding Moscow's war economy. While critics cite legal violations, the administration argues lifting sanctions will lower fuel costs for Americans and farmers.

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