Joe Manchin Demands Joe Biden Stop Importing Russian Oil: “To continue to rely on Russian energy as they attack Ukraine is senseless
Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), Chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, told President Joe Biden to stop importing Russian oil and ramp up American energy production immediately because importing oil from Russia while they invade Ukraine is “ridiculous, totally ridiculous.”
Manchin said: “The entire world is watching as Vladimir Putin uses energy as a weapon in an attempt to extort and coerce our European allies. While Americans decry what is happening in Ukraine, the United States continues to allow the import of more than half a million barrels per day of crude oil and other petroleum products from Russia during this time of war.
“This makes no sense at all and represents a clear and present danger to our nation’s energy security. The United States can and must ramp up domestic energy production and increase access to our abundant resources and technologies to both protect our energy independence and support our allies around the globe.
“If there was ever a time to be energy independent, it is now.
WATCH: It makes no sense at all for the United States to be buying millions of barrels of Russian oil and other petroleum products while Russia attacks the free and sovereign nation of Ukraine. That's why I'm calling on @POTUS to immediately stop all imports from Russia. pic.twitter.com/2Npde27X31
— Senator Joe Manchin (@Sen_JoeManchin) March 1, 2022
“I am calling on the Administration and industry partners to take action immediately, up to and including banning crude oil imports from Russia.
“To continue to ask other countries to do what we can do for ourselves in a cleaner way is hypocritical.
“To continue to rely on Russian energy as they attack Ukraine is senseless.
“In the coming days and weeks, the strategic value of American energy and what can be done to better position our nation on the global stage will be an ongoing topic in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.”
Manchin’s strong position will set off the left as his vote to block abortion did today.
From The Hill:
Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin (W.Va.) joined with Senate Republicans on Monday night to oppose legislation codifying the right to an abortion.
Senators voted 46-48 to move the bill toward a debate on the Senate floor, falling short of the three-fifths vote needed to move it forward.
The bill, which passed the House last year, enshrines the right to an abortion and pushes back against state-level restrictions. The Senate’s failed vote comes as the Supreme Court is weighing a case that would curb Roe vs. Wade.
“Sadly it looks like the Supreme Court will limit abortion rights on the coming months. That’s why the bill is essential,” Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) said.
Chairman @Sen_JoeManchin's statement urging the Biden Administration to take the necessary measures to ensure American energy independence and security. pic.twitter.com/BUIGtLagIs
— SenateEnergyDems (@EnergyDems) March 1, 2022