Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez Introduces Legislation to Ban the Import of Russian Oil

Resources / Press Share on Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez Introduces Legislation to Ban the Import of Russian Oil Oct 28, 2026 Press WASHINGTON, DC — Last week, Reps. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), and Don Bacon (NE-02) introduced the Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act to block the President’s deal to buy Russian oil and affirm support for Ukraine. This legislation is the result of the administration announcing a deal to issue new waivers which authorize importing Russian diesel, despite a bipartisan federal law enacted in 2022 prohibiting Russian oil imports. The President’s deal directly undermines the will of Congress, which acted decisively in 2022 to block oil revenue that Putin used to fund his fascist war on Ukraine. Specifically, the Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act would: Nullify the Treasury Department’s Russian oil waiver, immediately rendering General License 135 ineffective and prohibiting future waivers or general licenses authorizing the importation of Russian energy products. Strengthen enforcement of the existing import ban by prohibiting Treasury from expending funds on agreements that violate the Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act of 2022. Reinforce critical intelligence support for Ukraine, requiring relevant intelligence agencies to provide support for Ukraine’s defense and notify congressional intelligence committees within 24 hours of any interruption. “The President’s dirty deal to import Russian oil is running roughshod over our national interests and the bipartisan will of Congress and a bipartisan 2022 law explicitly banning the import of Russian oil. We won’t turn a blind eye to that,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “This bill will rein in this reckless deal and make clear that my community doesn’t want any part of funding Putin’s fascist war in Ukraine and the ongoing attacks terrorizing families in the Donbas. If the President is serious about bringing down gas prices, he should end the war in Iran, not send o ur tax dollars to Putin.” “Russia chose this war. Ukraine did not. The United States must leave no doubt about where it stands. We must not import a single drop of Russian oil. Congress made that decision with overwhelming bipartisan support in 2022, and that law remains in force. It is not a suggestion, nor should its intent be undermined through administrative waivers. We cannot demand accountability from Putin while opening American markets to the Russian energy that helps finance his war. Every exception sends Moscow the wrong message: that American resolve can be outlasted,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “President Reagan understood that strength is not the obstacle to peace. It is what makes a just peace possible. Our responsibility is to stand firmly behind Ukraine’s sovereignty and ensure America’s commitments are reflected in America’s actions. Peace becomes possible when aggression carries a cost greater than its reward. On that, there can be no ambiguity.” “For years, President Trump criticized Europe for buying Russian energy and propping up Putin’s war economy. Further, Congress overwhelmingly voted to impose tough sanctions on Russia. Now, Trump wants to make it easier for Putin to sell diesel fuel. He is wrong,” said Rep. Bacon. “Americans overwhelmingly support Ukraine and oppose Putin’s aggression and war crimes. The Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Against Russia Act nullifies the Russian diesel waiver, prohibits Treasury spending that violates the 2022 Russian oil import ban and provides intelligence support to Ukraine.” Congress must step up and force the President to support freedom and oppose the war criminal. America must stand with the Free World.” Southwest Washington is home to one of the largest communities of Ukrainian immigrants and refugees in the US. Last month, the Congresswoman reaffirmed her commitment to the Ukrainian community in Southwest Washington by voting for a comprehensive package of sanctions targeting Russia and anyone who facilitates sanctions evasion–and has called on the President to fully implement this sanctions package. Further, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez has been a proud supporter of Ukraine’s fight to stop Russia’s invasion and has worked continuously to aid Ukrainian refugees displaced by the conflict. In 2024, she introduced the Defending Borders, Defending Democracies Act and voted to pass H.R. 813, allocating over $60 billion in funding for Ukrainian defense. More recently in the FY27 Defense Appropriations markup, she spoke in support of the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, a provision to strengthen domestic manufacturing capability to support Ukrainian defense. Additionally, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez supports Ukrainians living in Southwest Washington through her casework operation, helping constituents facing issues with federal agencies. To get in touch or learn about how her office can help with federal agencies, please visit her casework page or Ukrainian Language casework page.