Scott Applauds President Biden's Ban on Russian Energy

Press Release

Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after President Biden announced a U.S. ban on importing Russian energy in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine:

"Ever since Vladimir Putin launched his unprovoked invasion on Ukraine, President Biden promised that Russia would face crushing sanctions, and we would leave Russia more isolated economically and diplomatically from the world. Today's announcement is another example of President Biden following through on that promise. Congress is also expected to pass bipartisan legislation this week to further punish Russia beyond the scope of what the president can do via executive order, and I look forward to supporting that bill. Since Russia invaded Ukraine, the coordinated sanctions with our allies have already inflicted significant harm on the Russian economy and tanked the ruble. The Russian stock market has yet to re-open. However, more must be done.

"As the President acknowledged today, these steps may temporarily increase costs here at home as we continue to confront worldwide inflation as a result of the pandemic. Recognizing the economic difficulty this poses for Americans, the Biden Administration is taking steps to ensure corporations cannot price-gouge and continue to take advantage of pandemic-driven economic disruptions. Tragically, Russia's war is endangering many and costing families everywhere. I remain committed to working with the administration and my colleagues in Congress to do everything we can to cut everyday costs for American families while standing up for democracy.

"This crisis is another reminder of the need to diversify to clean domestic American energy. Investments in clean domestic energy and energy efficiency not only create jobs, they also protect us from price volatility, corporate greed, and senseless acts of aggression by petro-dictators.

"By taking these aggressive actions, we are making it clear that America stands with Ukraine, our NATO allies, and we will not subsidize Russia's war of choice."

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