Representative Kean Urges President Trump to Revoke License
The congressman formally requests the reversal of a treasury directive allowing Russian diesel imports into the country.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in International Relations
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Representative Tom Kean Jr. is calling on President Trump to revoke General License 135, which permits transactions involving Russian-origin diesel. The congressman opposes the policy, citing concerns over funding the Russian energy sector.
Why it matters
The license was introduced to stabilize diesel prices during market disruptions linked to the war with Iran. Critics argue that the waiver undermines sanctions established by the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act.
General License 135 remains in effect until its expiration in April 2027. This follows an October 16 executive order that waived sanctions previously set by the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act.
The players
Tom Kean Jr.
He is the U.S. Representative for New Jersey's 7th congressional district and a member of the Republican Party.
Donald Trump
He is the current President of the United States.
Rebecca Bennett
She is the political opponent challenging Representative Kean in the upcoming 7th District House election.
The details
The Treasury Department issued the controversial license on October 9 as a measure to mitigate fuel price volatility. Representative Kean, who is currently campaigning against Rebecca Bennett in the 7th District House election, formally submitted his request on October 23.
Timeline
September 18, 2026: President Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act.
October 9, 2026: The Treasury Department issued General License 135.
October 11, 2026: A group of four Republican and three Democratic senators formally opposed the license.
October 16, 2026: President Trump signed an executive order waiving specific sanctions.
October 23, 2026: Representative Tom Kean Jr. sent a letter urging the revocation of the license.
Political Context
The administration's decision to waive sanctions marks a departure from the enforcement mechanisms established by the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act. Opponents, including a bipartisan group of senators, maintain that the waiver contradicts the intent of the original legislation.
The administration maintains that the license is intended to prevent fuel price spikes for the American public during ongoing market instability. However, taxpayers and voters must weigh this immediate potential for price stabilization against the broader geopolitical implications of the policy.
The takeaway
The conflict between energy price management and foreign policy sanctions highlights the difficulty of balancing domestic economic needs with international pressure. Readers should monitor whether this specific license leads to further executive actions regarding energy trade policy.
What happens next
The 7th District House election featuring Representative Kean and Rebecca Bennett is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Further reading
For more background on diplomatic policy, visit the International Relations section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NJ.
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