U.S. Republican Representative Brian Fitzpatrick announced on October 10 that he will introduce a bill to prohibit the purchase of Russian oil and plans to force a House floor vote through a discharge petition procedure. Republican Representative Don Bacon has agreed to serve as an initial cosponsor. The move targets the Russian diesel supply arrangement just announced by the Trump administration.

Push to Block Purchases Through a "Peace Through Strength" Bill

Fitzpatrick said the proposed legislation will be named the Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act, aimed at halting all Russian oil purchases. He said he will use the discharge petition process to bring the bill before the full House for consideration and expects it to pass by an overwhelming majority. Bacon said he has agreed to co-sponsor, arguing that Congress must take action. Fitzpatrick described the legislation as a bipartisan proposal, though no Democratic co-sponsor had been identified as of the announcement. Fitzpatrick also reaffirmed his support for Ukraine, arguing that Russia should be held responsible for the losses caused by its invasion. The purchasing ban put forward by the two Republican lawmakers will challenge the administration's policy of easing restrictions on Russian energy trade.

Diesel Supply Arrangement Sparks Sanctions Divisions

Trump announced on October 9 that he had reached a diesel supply arrangement with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying Russia would immediately release 300,000 tons of diesel to the United States and global markets, followed by another 500,000 tons in November and then an additional 1 million tons. He said he hopes to lower fuel prices by increasing supply. The U.S. Treasury Department issued a temporary general license allowing the sale, delivery and import of Russian-origin diesel, with authorization valid until April 7, 2027. Lawmakers opposed to easing restrictions are focused on the energy revenue Russia would gain as a result. Republican Representative Michael McCaul argued that lifting sanctions could help fund Russia's war effort, while Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski advocated continuing to cut off revenue sources that support Russia's war. Bacon had previously been involved in pushing for tougher sanctions. A bill his office released in August was aimed at targeting major buyers of Russian oil and gas and applying pressure on Russian energy and financial revenue sources.

Forcing a Vote Requires 218 Signatures and a Waiting Period

The discharge petition procedure Fitzpatrick plans to use allows lawmakers to seek floor consideration of a bill when a committee or House leadership does not advance it. Under House rules, launching this procedure for a bill that has not been reported by a committee generally requires that the bill has been in committee for at least 30 legislative days. After a petition obtains signatures from 218 members, the motion to discharge the committee's consideration authority enters the agenda, and a further 7 legislative days must pass before signing members can notify the full House to offer the motion. Fitzpatrick still needs to gather enough signatures and complete the corresponding procedures. The current congressional term ends in January next year, and the House's voting schedule in the coming weeks also limits the time available to move forward; the bill would still need to pass the Senate and be signed by the president before becoming law.