[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 46 (Tuesday, March 15, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E253]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





               SUSPENDING ENERGY IMPORTS FROM RUSSIA ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 9, 2022

  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, the world is in awe of the Ukrainian people, 
who have shown extraordinary courage and an iron will in the face of 
Russia's unprovoked war.
  As we speak, they are putting their lives on the line to protect 
their sovereignty and territorial integrity, protect their families, 
and defend their democracy.
  Indeed, the entire country--parents and children, rich and poor, in 
big cities and in small towns--have come together to safeguard their 
heritage and their home.
  Tragically, Putin has met their heroism with accelerating brutality: 
reportedly bombing indiscriminately and attacking civilians, including 
children.
  In doing so, the world has seen what the United Nations has deemed 
the ``fastest growing refugee crisis in Europe since World War II.''
  At this pivotal moment, America will not be delayed or deterred in 
taking action to counter Putin's aggression and support the Ukrainian 
people.
  With historic speed and coordination with our allies and partners, 
America has led the international community in taking devastating 
action against Russia.
  We have crippled the Russian economy: cutting off its banks, choking 
off its access to technology, targeting oligarchs funding this war--and 
much more.
  We have bolstered our support for NATO--and today the House will pass 
$13.6 billion in new funding for Ukraine for humanitarian, military and 
economic assistance.
  And now, the House will take major and severe step to continue our 
ongoing efforts to hold Putin accountable for his aggression.
  By passing the strong, bipartisan Suspending Energy Imports from 
Russia Act, we will further isolate Russia from the global economy and 
leave it weaker in every way.
  For their relentless leadership in crafting this legislation, let us 
salute Congressmen Lloyd Doggett and Earl Blumenauer.
  And thank you to Ways and Means Chairman Richie Neal for his 
masterful work to steer this urgent package to the Floor.
  This legislation contains three primary provisions.
  First, we are banning the import of Russian oil and energy products 
into the United States.
  This will tighten our stranglehold on Russia by cutting off the 
lifeblood of its economy--and a major source of Putin's wealth. 
Congress commends President Biden for announcing this step in his 
remarks today--and we will support his initiative with this 
legislation.
  At the same time, American production of oil and gas is approaching 
record highs--and we will continue working to protect families from 
Putin's Price Hike. In the long-term, America must move to diversify 
our energy sources: to defend democracy, protect our planet and bring 
down energy costs for our families.
  Second, we are taking steps to review Russia's access to the World 
Trade Organization.
  Access to the benefits of international trade is a privilege--not a 
right. By moving to deprive them of these benefits, we seek to further 
diminish Russia in the global economy.
  Third, we are reauthorizing and strengthening the Global Magnitsky 
Human Rights Accountability Act.
  Enacted in 2016, the Global Magnitsky Act broadened the human rights 
abuses that can be punished with sanctions and bolstered coordination 
with our partners. The legislation we will pass today will ensure the 
United States can impose these sanctions on Russia for its heinous 
attacks on Ukrainian civilians and its violation of Ukraine's 
sovereignty and territorial integrity.


                      PROTECTING AMERICAN FAMILIES

  Putin's aggression has caused severe disruption to global oil 
markets, helping to increase prices here at home and around the world.
  But the United States does not need to choose between defending our 
democratic values and protecting our economic interests.
  As Congress and the Administration continue to work together to 
cripple the Russian economy, we remain laser-focused on bringing down 
energy costs for American families and our partners stemming from 
Putin's invasion.
  We salute President Biden for leading our allies in releasing 60 
million barrels of oil from strategic reserves--including 30 million 
from American reserves in the SPR--to stabilize global markets.


                                 CLOSE

  This legislation is an urgent imperative: both morally, to stand with 
Ukraine, and strategically, to ensure our security interests.
  And it is my hope that this package receives strong, bipartisan 
support worthy of the valor and sacrifice of the Ukrainian people.
  With that, I urge a strong, bipartisan ``aye'' vote.

                          ____________________