Republican signatories included Mitch McConnell, John Cornyn, Thom Tillis, Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski and Armstrong. The senators called for Trump to use the sanctions powers granted by the Lindsey Graham law he signed just weeks earlier. Their letter follows a separate bipartisan statement arguing that allowing Russian diesel imports violates a 2022 ban and that the administration failed to consult Congress. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has defended the agreement, saying the administration has existing legal authority to implement it.
Trump said Tuesday that Russia was releasing diesel “to the entire world,” rather than specifically to the US, and did not answer whether the proceeds could fund Russia’s war. Treasury’s license permits Russian diesel transactions through April 7, 2027. Trump initially announced more than 300,000 metric tons for immediate release and 500,000 tons in November, with larger volumes later depending on refinery conditions. US diesel futures rose 4.5% to a two week high Tuesday despite the agreement.