House Republican, invoking Reagan, moves to block Trump's Russia oil deal

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) is determined to force a House vote to block Russian oil purchases, opposing President Trump's diesel deal with President Vladimir Putin. This move comes as Trump touted the deal as a means to reduce fuel prices, yet critics argue it could provide revenue for Russia's war efforts in Ukraine. Fitzpatrick, who chairs the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, plans to introduce the "Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act" and force a vote through a discharge petition.

Once passed, the bill will likely face the Senate and potentially Trump's veto. Fitzpatrick's tactic of utilizing a discharge petition, which bypasses Speaker Mike Johnson's approval, is increasingly being employed by lawmakers to push legislation through without House leadership's consent. Fitzpatrick and co-sponsor Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) have already agreed to sign the petition.

Despite the bill's potential impact, Fitzpatrick has limited time to pass it before the Congress ends in January, with the next House vote scheduled after the November midterm elections. Some Democrats are hesitant to fully support the bill, as unanimous Democratic backing is not guaranteed, and leadership may be wary of encouraging such moves, particularly post-midterms.