US lawmaker introduces bill to block Trump's Russian diesel deal

• The bill bans the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation from investing in Russian energy products.
• The legislation mandates White House sanctions on Russian fuel and nullifies existing Treasury Department licenses.
• The bill has 17 co-sponsors, including Republican Rep. Don Bacon.
• Lawmakers from both parties have criticized the deal for undermining sanctions and potentially funding Russia's war.

U.S. Representative Gregory Meeks introduced legislation on October 16 that would block President Donald Trump's plan to import Russian diesel. The bill, titled the Prohibit Corrupt Russia Oil Deals Act, aims to prevent the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation from investing in Russian energy products and would mandate sanctions on Russian fuel. The Treasury Department's general licenses related to the deal would be nullified. Trump announced the deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin on October 9, claiming it would lower gas prices for Americans. Meeks stated the deal would instead provide millions of dollars to Russia for its war in Ukraine. The legislation has garnered 17 co-sponsors, including Republican Representative Don Bacon. The deal has faced bipartisan criticism, with lawmakers arguing it undermines sanctions against Russia and contradicts U.S. efforts to pressure Moscow.