WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-06) released the following statement regarding his vote on the Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act.

“Placing a ban on Russian oil imports is a step in the right direction, but it is not enough to create long-term American energy independence” said Rep. Schweikert. “This bill is not the strong, effective bipartisan bill that was envisioned earlier this week, which was pulled at the last minute by Speaker Pelosi. That bill would have suspended trade relations with Russia and Belarus, put tough sanctions affecting all U.S. imports from Russia, and solidified the Russian energy import ban.

“Nevertheless, I voted in favor of this bill because it neutralizes the biggest source of revenue for Putin that is funding Russia’s unprovoked invasion. However, we must switch gears and focus on domestic energy production with an all of the above approach, which the Biden Administration still refuses to acknowledge. We cannot turn to bad actors in Venezuela and Iran for hydrocarbons, we need to find solutions here in the U.S. and from our North American allies.” 

Background
To read the full text of the bill, click here.

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