The Biden administration’s energy policies have come under the microscope in light of Russia’s ongoing offensive against Ukraine.
As recent sanctions levied against President Vladimir Putin’s regime could lead to a spike in energy costs due to the United States’ reliance on Russian oil, many Republicans have called for the return of American energy independence.
One of those Republicans, U.S. Senate hopeful Katie Britt, recently outlined which actions the administration should take to deter Russian aggression and blasted President Joe Biden over what she referred to as his “America Last” energy policies.
Alongside implementing tough sanctions against Putin’s government, Britt advocated for barring Russia from the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT).
“Wesley and I are praying for the people of Ukraine. President Biden needs to immediately implement the full range of bone-crushing sanctions against Putin’s aggression,” advised Britt. “This includes barring Russia from SWIFT.”
In promoting Trump-era energy policies, Britt made mention of the domestic natural resources the United States holds at its disposal.
“And here at home, we must return to America First energy independence,” she added. “Joe Biden should tell the American people and the world that we are reopening the American energy industry. God has blessed us with the greatest stockpile of energy-producing natural resources in the world, including oil, natural gas and coal. Unfortunately, Biden’s existing America Last energy policy has relegated us to again becoming a net importer of energy.”
According to Britt, ramping up domestic energy production for exportation would serve to enhance global security and drive down Americans’ fuel costs.
“We can and must reverse course so that we can supply Europe with American energy sources, which gives them energy security, ends their dependence on Russia, and cuts Putin’s profits and diminishes his leverage,” continued the candidate. “We can do the same thing for Asian countries to take away some of China’s leverage. Bringing back American energy production will also drive the prices of energy down and, combined with the full weight of sanctions, bankrupt Russia. That’s how we stop Putin. And that’s how we help Alabama families who are being hit hard by the rising prices at the gas pump and at the grocery store.”
“This all could have been avoided if Biden had continued the successful policies and strength of the Trump Administration,” proclaimed Britt. “Weakness and policy missteps led to this moment. It may be too late for Ukraine, but it’s not too late for combatting Putin in the long-run. The Biden Administration must wake up and step up.”
Britt went on to note the financial benefits Russia enjoys from importing oil into the United States and warned of the adverse effects Biden’s energy policies have on national security.
“Just last week as Russian forces laid siege to Ukraine, the Biden Administration put a pause on new American oil and gas leases and permits to drill on federal lands and water,” added Britt on Tuesday. “Meanwhile, the U.S. buys about 600,000 barrels of oil per day from Russia, sending $60 million to Putin every 24 hours. That’s enough money daily to finance three days of his unconscionable war on the people of Ukraine. We’re seeing in real time that abandoning America First energy independence has vast economic, national security and humanitarian consequences.”
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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