Fitzpatrick to introduce bipartisan bill blocking U.S. purchases of Russian oil, citing sanctions and fuel-price pressure

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) said he will introduce bipartisan legislation designed to block U.S. purchases of Russian oil, seeking to limit what he described as the impact of any sanctions relief on energy markets and consumer costs. Fitzpatrick made the announcement on Saturday, framing the proposal as a way to maintain pressure on Russia while global fuel shortages continue to affect prices.

Fitzpatrick said the bill would be called the “Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act.” He also said it would block “any and all purchases of Russian oil,” aiming to ensure that sanctions policy decisions do not translate into government-authorized buying of Russian crude or related products.

The announcement comes as the Trump administration faces questions about the future of sanctions targeting Russia’s energy sector. Fitzpatrick’s stated concern is that lifting those sanctions could lead to U.S. purchases that, in his view, would undermine efforts to deter Russian actions and potentially worsen the strain on fuel markets.

According to The Hill, Fitzpatrick said the measure is intended to stop President Trump from lifting sanctions tied to Russian oil amid global fuel shortages. The statement positions the legislation as a legislative check on executive action, using Congress’ authority over procurement, statutory requirements, and sanctions implementation to constrain any policy shift.

Fitzpatrick’s approach would also place the bill squarely in a bipartisan legislative arena, as he described the effort as including members of both parties. The Hill report did not name additional cosponsors or provide details on whether the proposal would include specific exemptions, enforcement mechanisms, or definitions of covered Russian oil transactions.

If introduced, the bill would likely move through House committee review before consideration by the full chamber, where lawmakers could decide whether to advance it and under what procedural path. The measure’s prospects would depend on how it is drafted, including how it interacts with existing sanctions laws and any current authorities governing energy procurement and sanctions enforcement.

The proposal also reflects ongoing congressional scrutiny of sanctions as an instrument of foreign policy and a lever over energy supply. Beyond foreign-policy goals, supporters often argue that avoiding sanctioned-party purchases can reduce volatility in energy pricing, while opponents may raise questions about statutory reach, implementation complexity, and potential effects on domestic supply.

For now, Fitzpatrick’s announcement sets the stage for bill drafting and outreach to secure bipartisan support, with any future steps tied to the bill’s text, committee assignments, and the timing of House action.