US lawmaker introduces bill blocking Trump's Russian diesel deal

U.S. Representative Gregory Meeks, a Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, submitted legislation on October 16 to halt the Trump administration's plan to import Russian diesel. This action follows President Donald Trump's surprise announcement of a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to purchase millions of tons of diesel from Moscow, claiming it would reduce gas prices for Americans.

Meeks' bill, called the Prohibit Corrupt Russia Oil Deals Act, prohibits the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) from investing in Russian energy products and orders the White House to impose sanctions on Russian fuel. It also invalidates existing general licenses from the Treasury Department and bans any future ones.

Meeks argued that this deal would not lower costs for Americans, who are already footing the bill for Trump's failed war in Iran, while allowing Putin to continue funding his war against Ukraine. He urged fellow House members to support the legislation. As of now, the bill has 17 co-sponsors, all Democrats except Republican Rep. Don Bacon.

The diesel deal faced strong bipartisan criticism upon announcement on October 9, with lawmakers from both parties arguing it would undermine recent sanctions, potentially provide Russia with billions in war funding, and contradict efforts to pressure Putin for peace talks.

With Republicans holding both chambers of Congress, the situation could change with the upcoming midterm elections in November. Trump's approval rating has plummeted, even among conservative voters, who are dissatisfied with his handling of issues like inflation, the economy, tariffs, and foreign policy. Trump has blamed Ukraine for the surge in gas and diesel prices in the U.S., attributing it to attacks on Russian oil refineries, a claim disputed by experts who attribute it to the U.S. war in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.