Problem Solvers Caucus Backs Legislation to Ban Russian Energy Imports
Endorses the Bipartisan, Bicameral Ban Russian Energy Imports Act, Introduced by 30 Caucus Members: House Companion to Bill Introduced by 18 Senators
WASHINGTON, DC– Today, the Problem Solvers Caucus endorsed the bipartisan Ban Russian Energy Imports Act to prohibit the importation of Russian crude oil, petroleum, petroleum products, liquified natural gas, and coal. Co-Chairs Representatives Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) were joined by Problem Solvers Members Representatives Ed Case (HI-01), Peter Meijer (MI-03), Jared Golden (ME-02), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Jimmy Panetta (CA-20), Tom Reed (NY-23), Steven Horsford (NV-04), David Valadao (CA-21), Tom Suozzi (NY-03), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Jim Costa (CA-16), Dean Phillips (MN-03), Darren Soto (FL-09), Tom Malinowski (NJ-07), Abigail Spanberger (VA-07), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Elaine Luria (VA-02), Dan Meuser (PA-09), Carolyn Bourdeaux (GA-7), Scott Peters (CA-52), Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Conor Lamb (PA-17), Susie Lee (NV-03), Kurt Schrader (OR-05), John Katko (NY-24), Elissa Slotkin (MI-08), Haley Stevens (MI-11) and Tony Gonzales (TX-23) to introduce a House companion to the Senate bill introduced last Thursday by 18 Senators.
Russia’s unjustified, unprovoked war against Ukraine demands an urgent, unified response and rethinking of our national and international energy policy, which currently supports the Russian Federation by allowing the purchase and import of their energy resources. The United States imported an average of 670,000 barrels of oil and petroleum products per day in 2021, with a high of 848,000 barrels per day in June 2021. Imports are up 24 percent in 2021 over 2020. This import strategy puts American national security at risk and supports Putin’s ability to stay in power.
“We can’t subsidize Putin’s war in Ukraine with American dollars. The Russians are killing innocent civilians, violating cease fires in refugee corridors, and escalating assaults,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “We need to hit Putin where it hurts. By banning the import of Russian oil here to the U.S., we have the opportunity to stick it to Putin, work with our allies to stabilize the energy market across the world, safeguard our nation’s energy security, and boost America’s energy independence. I’m also glad the Administration announced a global utilization of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve — 60 billion barrels — to help get gas prices globally down. Existing wells are coming back online. We’ve seen that now for 18 straight weeks. Overall, the number of active rigs is up more than 60 percent since the beginning of the Administration. This should all help relieve global gas prices.”
“By continuing to import oil from Russia, the U.S. is supporting Russian energy coercion and helping Putin to bankroll his brutal and unjustified war against Ukraine,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01). “We must put an end to the importation of Russian energy products now. Our bipartisan Ban Russian Energy Imports Act will send Putin and his cronies a clear message: the U.S. will secure our own energy independence, and we will not partake in Russia’s energy manipulation tactics. I implore House and Senate leadership to swiftly bring this legislation to the floor for a vote.”
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.
- Models the approach of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The President has had the authority to take these actions since 1917; this legislation does not grant additional authority.
- Provides 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.
- Exempts product that is already loaded or in transit at the time of enactment.
Co-Chairs Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) brought the legislation for endorsement, which garnered the support of more than 75 percent of the Caucus.