Trump announces a deal for 300k tons of Russian oil. 24 hours later, some of his fellow Republicans join the Dems to strip him of his power to do it

A group of House members from both parties is apparently preparing legislation that would prevent President Donald Trump from allowing further purchases of Russian oil. According to The Hill, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania announced the plan on Saturday, one day after the administration disclosed a new arrangement with Moscow.

Under the deal announced Friday, Russia is permitted to supply 300,000 tons of diesel to the United States and the broader global market. Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a statement carried by Russian state media that Moscow was ready to provide oil and petroleum products to American and international buyers.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on X that the agreement sent a signal to Russia that “it could simply keep attacking” his country. Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump replied that Zelensky “could have settled this war many times” but “chose not to.” He added, “I suggest they get a new leader who can make a deal.”

Lawmakers from both parties plan legislation and a forced vote on Russian oil

Fitzpatrick described the coming bill as a bipartisan effort to stop any future lifting of restrictions. He wrote on social media, “We will be introducing bipartisan legislation to block any and all purchases of Russian oil. It will be called the Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act.” The identities of any Democratic co-sponsors have not been announced.

The Pennsylvania Republican said he intends to use a discharge petition to bring the measure to the House floor for a vote. He expressed confidence that “it will overwhelmingly” pass. A discharge petition lets rank-and-file members force consideration of a bill even when party leaders have not placed it on the schedule.

Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska quickly backed the effort. He wrote, “I’ve already agreed to be an original cosponsor,” and added, “Congress must make a stand.” Critics say the deal fits a pattern of Trump pairing military drawdowns with oil deals, such as when he announced U.S. troops were no longer needed in Iraq while touting new oil partnerships.

Criticism of the Friday deal has also come from Democrats. Rep. Gabe Amo of Rhode Island, who serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, posted: “After signing a law to ramp up sanctions on Russia, Trump is paying Putin for oil to deal with the high gas prices caused by his choice of war with Iran? That’s not punishing Putin, that’s profit.” He closed with the words, “Make it make sense.”

The new proposal would run counter to the rules set in 2022. That year, Congress approved a ban on Russian oil imports and authorized additional sanctions.

The law included a limited exception that lets the president authorize shipments already purchased before the ban took effect, or allow imports when doing so serves the national interest. Fitzpatrick’s measure aims to remove those openings for any new Russian oil purchases. The carve-outs aren’t the only way around the rules, as a company linked to a major Trump donor got the green signal to do business with a Russian bank that the administration sanctioned.