Rep. Roy's statement on voting against Democrats' weak Russian energy ban bill

WASHINGTON — Rep. Roy issued the following statement Thursday regarding his vote on H.R 6968:

Last night, after Democrats blocked a sensible approach to impose a strict Russian energy import ban, sever normal trade relations with Russia and Belarus, and unleash American energy to change the balance of power, I voted ‘no’ on the subsequent, so-called Russian oil ban bill. It is designed purposefully to depress American oil and gas production, will likely empower adversaries in Iran and Venezuela, is filled with loopholes, and cedes power to the Executive branch to easily waive its provisions. 
 
This is absurd.  
  
Vladimir Putin has demonstrated to the world — time and time again — he has no regard for humanity and is motivated only by the pursuit of raw power. Putin is not a constructive partner with the United States; he is not even a rational actor.  
  
This is not new to those paying attention, but it is now playing out in real time in the form of his brutal assault on Ukraine. Russia is carrying out attacks against civilians — bombing hospitals, apartment complexes, and all manner of civilian targets — and now over 2 million Ukrainians are fleeing while millions hunker down and resist.    
  
America indeed has a moral responsibility to help Ukraine to some degree based on previous agreements; more importantly, it is not in our national security interest to allow Putin to advance, strengthen, and partner with Iran or China.    
  
We should have acted sooner to enact sanctions, expand American oil and gas, and send a strong message to Putin and the world. We didn’t.  
  
Now, Republicans risk giving cover to the Democrats to advance their radical climate agenda in the guise of punishing Putin—without actually punishing Putin. 
 
So as we move forward and engage, we must demand the rest of the world step up significantly. As we provide lethal aid to help Ukrainians fight, we must at all times remember to protect Americans — including full expansion of reliable American energy, both nuclear and fossil fuels.  
 
Now is the time for Republicans to actually stand up and lead, not just check the box in the name of 'unity.' American-made energy fuels freedom, prosperity, and peace; we say we believe that, and it's time we start acting like it.

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