Pappas has urged the Biden Administration to release fuel from the strategic oil reserve and take steps to lower prices for consumers following Russia’s invasion
Following continued calls to hold Vladimir Putin accountable for his illegal invasion of Ukraine, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) hasco-sponsored bipartisan legislation to prohibit imports of crude oil, petroleum, petroleum products, LNG, and coal from Russia.
The Ban Russian Energy Imports Act declares a national emergency specifically with respect to the threat to our national security, foreign policy, and economy that exists as a result of Russian aggression against Ukraine and directs the President to prohibit imports of crude oil, petroleum, petroleum products, LNG, and coal from Russia.
"America and the world are united in standing with the people of Ukraine against Vladimir Putin's unjustified invasion and attack on their country," said Congressman Pappas. "While the United States has already leveled historic sanctions to cripple Russia's economy, it is clear that more is needed. While Ukrainians fight for freedom and democracy, the United States must do its part to stand by our values and with our allies. That is why I support banning imports of Russian oil and other energy sources that are bankrolling Putin's war machine that has killed thousands and displaced millions. I've also urged the Biden Administration to use every tool available to lower energy costs for Granite Staters, including releasing additional barrels from the Strategic Oil Reserves, and I will continue to fight to lower costs for New Hampshire families caused by Putin's invasion of Ukraine."
Specifically, the Ban Russian Energy Imports Act:
- Declares a national emergency specifically with respect to the threat to our national security, foreign policy, and economy that exists as a result of Russian aggression against Ukraine and directs the President to prohibit imports of crude oil, petroleum, petroleum products, LNG, and coal from Russia.
- The President has had the authority to take these actions since 1917; this legislation does not grant additional authority. This approach is modeled on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
- The ban would be in place during the national emergency, and either the President or Congress would be able to terminate the emergency and the import ban.
- The bill exempts product that is already loaded or in transit at the time of enactment.
Pappas has repeatedly called for sanctions against Russia should Vladimir Putin invade Ukraine and urged unity among NATO allies in standing against Vladimir Putin; and has called for President Biden to take all measures necessary to ensure that Vladimir Putin's premeditated, illegal invasion of Ukraine does not derail the momentum of the U.S. economy's recovery.
Original source can be found here.
