Washington, October 12 (Daily Kiran) : Disagreements among Republican leaders regarding President Donald Trump’s diesel agreement with Russia have come to light. Senator Thom Tillis expressed concerns, suggesting that Trump “may be breaking the law.” In contrast, Senate Republican Whip John Barrasso defended the agreement, framing it as a means to exert pressure on Russia. Trump faces a deadline of one week to decide whether to impose penalties on major buyers of Russian oil.
These divisions were evident during discussions on two television programs, NBC’s “Meet the Press” and CBS’s “Face the Nation.” NBC journalist Kristen Welker asked Tillis if Trump was violating a 2022 law that bans imports of Russian oil. Tillis responded, “I believe that could be the case,” indicating there is sufficient basis to argue that the president is not adhering to the law.
Tillis, a Republican senator from North Carolina, pointed out that a recent Senate vote on a sanctions bill named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham reflects lawmakers’ sentiments. “If I remember correctly, that bill received 86 votes,” he noted, highlighting a near-unanimous consensus in the Senate. However, he criticized Trump’s recent actions and statements as contrary to the spirit of that legislation, asserting that the diesel deal undermines Graham’s efforts to impose sanctions on Russia.
Later on Sunday, Tillis, along with six other senators, issued a joint statement led by Senate Foreign Relations Committee senior Democrat Jeanne Shaheen. The statement asserted that Trump’s decision directly contradicts the law, urging the administration to reconsider its stance.
Among the signatories were Republican Senators Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, and John Curtis, as well as Democratic Senators Richard Blumenthal and Ron Wyden. During the CBS program, anchor Margaret Brennan questioned Barrasso about the law he recently voted for. She asked, “The president has until October 18 to decide whether to take action against countries purchasing Russian oil. Doesn’t his current move mock the law you just passed?”
Barrasso defended Trump, stating, “We crafted this law to give the president more options and leverage to use against Vladimir Putin.” He described the agreement as another method to pressure Russia and seek a long-term solution in the region.
While neither senator mentioned India, the October 18 deadline is considered significant for the country. Under Section 113 of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, the president has the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on products from countries that are among the five largest buyers of Russian crude oil or natural gas, provided they continue their purchases.
However, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Behnke stated on Fox News that claims suggesting the Graham law bans diesel purchases are incorrect. The law also allows the president to waive tariffs if he certifies to Congress that doing so serves U.S. national interests. Furthermore, Section 113 specifically addresses crude oil and natural gas purchases, excluding refined products like diesel.
Leave a Comment