This is part of the U.S.’s larger efforts to impose sanctions on Russia over it invasion of Ukraine.
Schiff stated that a ban on Russian energy sales in the United States could be imposed by Congress or the Biden Administration. He also noted that there is strong bipartisan support for such a move.
“It’s anathema to many of us Congress members that while we sanctioned them and tried to cripple their economies, that we would purchase their petroleum in any way we could,” he said to “Face the Nation.” “But I believe the administration wants us to work with our allies.”
Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee Schiff stated that a ban on Russian oil imports could have an effect on prices in the U.S. as well as abroad. This underscores President Biden’s efforts to coordinate with European allies.
The California Democrat stated that he wanted to ensure that the world understood the effects of the crisis on global supply. “But I believe there is strong support for showing solidarity with Ukraine, and also to ensure that American dollars don’t support the Russian war machine.”
The U.S. and its allies in the West have implemented a number of sanctions to punish Russia for the invasion of Ukraine. However, the Biden administration has not banned Russian oil imports to the U.S. which consumes 600,000 barrels per day of Russian petroleum products.
However, there have been increasing calls for the U.S. not to import energy from Russia. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Thursday that she supports this move. CNN was informed by Antony Blinken, Secretary of State, that the U.S. has been in discussions with European partners regarding a possible embargo.
Schiff stated that lawmakers would love to see a ban implemented quickly, but that the U.S. must continue to explore ways to “crush the Russian economy.”
He said, “We need to be careful about the fact Russia will probably find some other place to sell this oil and gas to.” “So, the impact on Russia might not be as strong as we would like.”
Schiff said that a Congress with “very partisan views” is united behind a sanctions package, and more military support for Ukraine.
Schiff responded to a question about the U.S.’s response if the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was killed, saying that the Biden administration works to protect him.
He said, “We’re doing all we can to supply, I believe, real-time intelligence to help him protect himself as well as to provide Ukrainians with the information they need for defense.”
