LaHood Statement on Vote to Ban Russian
Energy
By Congressman Darin LaHood, 18th District
Washington, D.C. –
Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18), a member of the House Ways and Means
Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence,
released the following statement on his vote for legislation to ban
Russian energy imports: |
"Russia's
unprovoked invasion of Ukraine cannot go unchecked without severe consequences
for Vladimir Putin and his enablers. While this bill is far from perfect,
banning Russian energy imports is a start, and will help isolate Putin, ensure
we are not funding Putin's war, and hit the heart of the Russian economy. The
Biden Administration's decision to kill the bipartisan deal negotiated by House
and Senate trade leaders, which would have ended favorable trade status for
Russia and Belarus, raises serious concerns about the Administration's approach
to cutting off Putin and his allies as they wage war in Ukraine. More must be
done in the weeks ahead to punish Putin, including revoking Russia's favorable
trade treatment.
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"In addition, the United States must take immediate action to unleash our
domestic energy independence. On day one in office, President Biden moved to
reduce American energy production and prioritize left-wing Green New Deal
initiatives, increasing our reliance on foreign adversaries for energy. These
policies alone have pushed gas prices to record highs. Instead of working to
prioritize American energy production, the Administration is currently
negotiating with dictators in Iran and Venezuela. Now is the time to take
decisive action to unleash America's energy sector, including oil, gas,
renewables, and Illinois biofuels, to protect our national security and protect
Americans at the pump."
[Darin LaHood] |