Congress Strikes Back! Bipartisan Lawmakers Propose Ban on Russian Oil Purchases, Call Trump’s Diesel Deal a National Humiliation
On October 10, Republican Representative Brian Fitzpatrick posted on social platform X that lawmakers from both parties are drafting a new bill to prohibit all purchases of Russian oil. The proposed legislation, titled the “Ronald Reagan: Peace Through Strength Act,” will be submitted as an emergency item for full chamber consideration and is expected to pass by a decisive majority.
Another representative, Don Bacon, criticized President Trump’s decision to procure Russian diesel fuel, describing it as a sign of weakness. Several Republicans have voiced strong opposition: “I believe this is a serious misstep. It represents capitulation—our president bending to a dictator and war criminal like Vladimir Putin. We must stand with Ukraine, with democracy under attack, with cities being bombed.”
He recalled that just one year ago, Trump had called on the global community to cease buying Russian oil. According to Bacon, Trump’s current policy toward Ukraine and Russia has failed. In his view, the move appears driven by electoral calculations, but American voters are watching closely.
“Polls consistently show around 70% of Americans support Ukraine, though there is division over the form of assistance—more military aid versus broader sanctions. Most see this decision as weakness toward Putin, offering no political benefit to the president.”
Bacon emphasized that Trump has long operated on a transactional mindset, but this particular decision regarding Russian diesel is fundamentally flawed.
“I wish he would act with stronger moral clarity. We should do what is right, not chase petty gains. This gives the impression that he is aiding Putin—an ill-conceived and wrongheaded choice.”
Regarding the bipartisan initiative, Bacon stated it is intended to signal clearly that Congress stands with Ukraine, not Russia. He affirmed his support for the legislation targeting Russian oil.
“Frankly, it’s time to make the president uncomfortable. What he is doing now is a national disgrace—I’m not afraid to say it aloud.”
Mike Pence, former vice president during Trump’s first term, also weighed in, calling for immediate termination of the agreement. He described the deal as a betrayal of Senator Lindsey Graham’s legacy, who, until his final days, advocated for tougher sanctions against Russia.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1878724175913988/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.