House votes to ban imports of Russian oil, energy products

WASHINGTON – In a uncommon present of bipartisanship, the Home voted overwhelmingly Wednesday to put in writing into regulation a ban on U.S. imports of Russian oil and power merchandise that President Joe Biden imposed to punish Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine.

The laws, which handed on a 414 to 17 vote, now heads to the Senate, which hasn’t indicated when it will think about the measure. Senate Majority Chief Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., stated leaders would wish to seek the advice of with the Biden administration first.

Home approval of the measure got here the day after Biden stated he would signal an order banning imports of all Russian power merchandise within the newest effort to ratchet up sanctions over the invasion.  Biden stated he made the choice in session with European allies however added they will not be ready to hitch the U.S. in banning Russian power imports.

“America is standing as much as bullies like (Vladimir) Putin who suppose that they’ll invade their means into an empire and blackmail the world with their oil,” Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., stated on the Home flooring Wednesday previous to the vote.

The White Home had initially resisted pleas from lawmakers to ban Russian oil imports, citing the concern that such a transfer would additional drive up gasoline costs and different power prices for U.S. shoppers. In his announcement, Biden warned the choice to ban imports can be felt at house.

However, “when the historical past of this struggle is written, Putin’s struggle on Ukraine can have left Russia weaker, and the remainder of the world stronger,” Biden stated.

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In addition to banning the import of power merchandise from Russia, the Home invoice additionally directs the U.S. Commerce Consultant’s workplace to work to get the World Commerce Group to droop Russia’s membership. Restrictions shutting off preferential commerce networks might imply increased costs for Russian companies and shoppers.

The measure would allow the U.S. to impose extra sanctions in opposition to Russia as effectively by a regulation referred to as the Magnitsky Act. The regulation, handed in 2012 and expanded in 2016, authorizes the U.S. authorities to impose sanctions on human rights abusers, freeze their property and ban them from getting into the nation.

The invoice would additional strengthen the regulation so the U.S. might punish Russia for its assaults on Ukrainian civilians and for violating Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Michael Collins covers the White Home. Observe him on Twitter @mcollinsNEWS.

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