Ruppersberger Issues Statement on Russian Oil Ban

Statement

Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger today issued the following statement after President Biden announced a ban on the import of Russian energy products in the United States:

"Today, President Biden further isolated Russia and weakened its economy by banning Russian energy imports into the United States. I strongly support this decision -- as does the overwhelming majority of Americans -- and I stand ready to vote in favor of bipartisan legislation to that effect on the House floor.

Putin is a war criminal terrorizing a country full of innocent people, raining missiles on civilians and children who are trying to escape. We must do what we can to save Ukrainian lives and put a stop to these barbaric attacks.

The sharp increase in gas prices was accelerated by pandemic-related supply chain issues and the return to normal consumer habits, not the policies of one man or one party. And, contrary to divisive Republican talking points, President Biden is working in a bipartisan manner with Congress, using all tools at his disposal to mitigate the costs of Putin's aggression on American families. Under his Administration, domestic oil and gas production is approaching record highs. Meanwhile, oil companies are sitting on 9,600 unused drilling permits on federal lands. We should urge, or even compel, American oil companies to utilize or sell these permits. Congress should also explore the record-profits of American oil corporations over the last year, who curtailed investments in research and capital improvements while increasing share buybacks, dividend increases and bonuses -- all of which pre-dated the war.

All other options should be on the table. We should consider suspending the gas tax. And, of course, we should continue doing everything we can to expand the production of clean, renewable energy here at home so that we are never again in this situation."

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