Washington – Democrat Congressman Adam Schiff of California said Sunday that he believes there is “strong” bipartisan support for the U.S. ban on oil and gas imports into Russia as part of its broader cost-cutting efforts. in Russia. his invasion of Ukraine.
In an interview with Face the Nation, Schiff said a ban on Russian energy sales in the United States could come from Congress or the Biden administration, noting that there is “very strong bipartisan support.” for this movement.
“It’s anathema, I think, to many of us in Congress that while we were sanctioning them and trying to paralyze their economy, that we were helping them in any way by buying their oil,” he told Face the Nation. “But I think the administration wants to make sure we work with our allies.”
- Transcript: Congressman Adam Schiff on “Face the Nation”
Schiff, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, said a ban on Russian oil imports could have an impact on prices in both the United States and abroad, underscoring President Biden’s efforts. to work in coordination with European allies and partners.
“He wants to make sure we understand the impact on global supply,” the California Democrat said. “But I think there is strong support for showing solidarity with Ukraine, but also for making sure that the US dollar does not support the Russian war machine in any way.”
In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the United States and Western allies have imposed a series of sanctions aimed at cutting Russia off from the global financial system and isolating Russia from the rest of the world. The Biden administration, however, has failed to ban imports of Russian oil into the U.S., which purchases 600,000 barrels of Russian oil products a day.
However, there have been growing calls in the Capitol for the United States to ban energy imports from Russia, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday that she is “all for it.” Secretary of State Antony Blinken told CNN on Sunday that the US is talking to European partners about a possible embargo.
Schiff said lawmakers would like to act quickly on a ban, but said the United States must continue to explore ways to “crush” the Russian economy.
“We have to be careful that Russia will probably find another place to sell this oil and gas,” he said. “Therefore, the ultimate impact on Russia may not be as strong as we would like it to be.”
Schiff added that a “very partisan Congress” has come together around a package of sanctions and provides more military support to Ukraine.
When asked how the United States would respond if something happened to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Schiff said the Biden administration is working to ensure that it is protected.
“We are doing everything we can, providing, I think, real-time intelligence to help protect it, as well as to give Ukrainians the information they need to defend themselves,” he said.
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