President Biden announced Tuesday that the United States will ban all Russian energy imports as Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine.
“We’re banning all imports of Russian oil and gas and energy. That means Russian oil will no longer be acceptable at U.S. ports, and the American people will deal another powerful blow to Putin’s war machine,” Biden said from the White House, adding that the move has bipartisan support.
During the announcement, the president acknowledged that the decision will further steepen the rapidly climbing gas prices in America.
“Defending freedom is going to cost,” he said.
Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) shared his thoughts on Biden’s additional sanctions on Russia.
“This moment of moral clarity requires American leadership,” Mississippi’s senior U.S. senator said. “I am glad that President Biden has finally heeded repeated calls to cut off Russia’s energy revenue, and I hope our European allies will soon follow.”
Wicker also stated that he believes Biden should commit to making America energy independent once again. According to the Institute for Energy Research, the U.S. was energy independent in 2019 for the first time in 62 years.
“There is simply no reason that the U.S. cannot supply all of our own energy needs and become a net exporter of energy again,” he said. “The President should revive the Keystone XL pipeline project, open up oil and gas leases, reduce red tape for exploration, and focus on stabilizing supply and lowering prices for all Americans.”
Biden’s full remarks on the newest sanctions on Russia can be watched below.
