US Congress Members Unite to Stop Trump Deal on Russia Diesel, Oil Lobby behind Move

[ABS News Service/14.10.2026]

The criticism of President Trump’s decision to allow purchases of Russian diesel despite his recent signing of a tough sanctions bill continues, with all House Foreign Affairs Committee Democrats issuing a joint statement condemning the move.

Both Democrats and Republicans have joined ranks in recent days opposing the agreement and even Mr. Trump seemed to back away from his role in it, telling reporters yesterday that Russia has an agreement with “the world” to sell its diesel.

“We welcome the bipartisan condemnation of this deal. But condemnation alone is not enough. When Republicans have had the chance to do more, most have refused,” the Democrats said in a joint statement.

Committee ranking Democrat Greg Meeks (NY) noted that he joined other panel Democrats earlier this year in introducing a bill (HR 8222) that would have prevented the President from licensing Russian diesel purchases.

The End Russian Oil Windfalls Act would bar the Administration from issuing the licenses now being used o enrich Russian President Putin, the Democrats said. “Republicans declined to cosponsor it and Republican leadership has not moved it since.”

“If Republicans are genuinely outraged by this deal they should join us, pass this legislation, and put a check on a President who is more interested in appeasing Putin and enriching himself and his inner circle than defending American interests or our commitments to Ukraine. Congress has the power to act.”