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US Representative Gregory Meeks introduced legislation on Friday, October 16, aimed at blocking President Donald Trump’s diesel deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin and prohibiting investments in Russia’s energy sector, according to the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
Meeks, a Democrat, said the agreement would not reduce costs for American consumers but would instead provide Russia with additional revenue to continue its war against Ukraine.
“This deal will not lower costs for the American people, who are already paying for Trump’s failed war in Iran. It will give Putin millions of dollars to kill civilians with impunity,” Meeks said.
He added that while the United States should be increasing pressure on the Kremlin, Trump was moving closer to Putin and pursuing agreements that benefited Russia rather than supporting Ukraine.
“This is contrary to everything the United States stands for. Congress must act. Every member of Congress who claims to be outraged by this must join in passing this legislation,” Meeks said.
The proposed legislation includes three key measures:
Prohibiting the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) from investing in Russia’s energy sector.
Revoking general licenses issued by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and banning the issuance of such licenses in the future.
Requiring the Trump administration to impose sanctions on Russia’s energy sector.
On October 9, Trump held a phone call with Putin and subsequently announced plans to supply hundreds of thousands of tons of Russian diesel to US and global markets, claiming the move could help lower prices.
However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov indicated that the impact would be limited, noting that Russian diesel was already reaching international markets.
Earlier this week, a bipartisan group of US senators also urged Trump to reverse course on the diesel agreement.
Media reports have suggested that Washington pursued the deal partly in the hope of bringing Russia back to negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
